Southend United boss Kieron Dyer has said that League One sides are interested in signing current Shrimpers trialist Samson Tovide.
The former Colchester United striker has been training with the Roots Hall club following the expiry of his contract with their Essex rivals, having spent the last six years in the first-team frame at the U’s.
Dyer Optimistic Of Deal
Following his departure from Colchester, interest has since emerged from across England for Tovide, with Wycombe Wanderers named in May as a possible destination by the Bucks Free Press.
Speaking to the Echo about their trialist and their hopes of recruiting him, Southend boss Kieron Dyer revealed that interest has emerged from League One.
“He’s out of contract at Colchester but because he came through the academy he’s someone there would be a compensation to pay for.
“I think it’s one where we have to be a bit patient. There are so many good clubs, clubs who are higher up, League One clubs that are all interested in him. We’re quite fortunate we’ve got the Harry Boyes money available.
“I just don’t think they’ll meet Colchester’s valuation. Colchester hold all of the cards but who knows, especially if the transfer window closes and Colchester still haven’t done a deal with a team maybe we can work out something.
“He’s some player and I’m excited he’s here but there’s a long way to go with the Samson deal. He’s been a brilliant professional and I’m probably putting him in the shop window for all the clubs that are interested in him but he’s fully fit.”
Can Southend Pull Off Coup?
With several sides from the EFL reportedly keen on signing Samson Tovide, it may be that Southend United are up against it in being able to strike a deal with the now-free agent.
However, with a sizable compensation fee stifling some sides, it may point towards the Shrimpers being able to beat these sides should the opportunity arise.
Having picked up a good chunk of cash from their sale of Harry Boyes to York City, they now have some financial muscle to compete, and given their proximity to his former home of Colchester United, may also have another advantage compared to sides like Wycombe Wanderers.
His addition could make Southend a side many will dread to face, and with Harry Cardwell and Oliver Coker already performing in their National League opener against Altrincham, he will give them a new dimension in their attack.
Ultimately, an EFL move may be his ultimate aim, but given the upward momentum that United have behind them right now, staying at Roots Hall could break him back into League Two within a year.
