Contract rebel Mark Rawle should make a final decision about his Southend United future on Monday.
The 24-year-old striker is holding out for bigger wages and has so far refused to commit himself to a new one year Roots Hall deal.
And Rawle's agent, Clive Hart, revealed the injury-prone frontman, who was Blues' top-scorer with 12 goals last term, has already started talking to other clubs.
"Mark is not happy with both the length of contract and the wages on offer from Southend," said Hart.
"They have offered him the same basic terms as last season, but he is not one of the highest paid players at Roots Hall.
"He was the club's top-scorer last season and would like an increase which represents that.
"I also think it is in Southend's interest to give Mark a longer contract. The current deal on offer would allow him to walk away from the club for nothing next summer if he scores a lot of goals."
"But Mark could still stay at Southend, he doesn't want to leave. He likes the club and the area and he knows that he still has lots to learn and can still improve."
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Published Friday, June 13, 2003
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