Chris Barker to depart Southend United?

Southend United boss Phil Brown has admitted that Chris Barker is likely to leave the League Two side this summer.

The 33-year-old, who is currently on trial with Hereford United, has been told that the club are "moving in a different direction".

"I've had a conversation with Chris and explained how we're moving in a different direction now and that it may be best for him to move on," Brown told the Southend Echo.

"He's a great lad but we'll see how he gets on with Hereford and take things from there. If he's still with us by the time we get back from Madrid then he could still have a future with us."

A number of Football League clubs are believed to be monitoring proceedings.