Southend United have tabled a £20,000 bid for Barnet's star midfielder Mark Gower, the Conference League club claimed today.
But the Underhill outfit have knocked back Blues' opening gambit and are believed to be holding out for a fee in the region of £32,000.
Gower, 24, made 41 appearances for the Bees last term, hitting the back of the net nine times, but is believed to crave a return to league football next season.
A Barnet spokesman confirmed the Shrimpers' move for their prized asset and said talks between the two clubs were still ongoing.
"Southend have made a bid for Mark Gower which was rejected," he said. "However, the chairmen of both clubs are still holding negotiations."
The Edmonton-born player, who can also perform out wide, began life at Premiership Spurs, making two appearances.
He also had a nine-game loan spell at top-flight Scottish side Motherwell, scoring in a 2-1 defeat at Glasgow Rangers, before joining Barnet for £32,500.
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Published Thursday, June 26, 2003
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