Southend United are poised to make a bid for wantaway Crawley Town striker Izale McLeod.

The Argus understands that McLeod held talks with the newly promoted League One outfit yesterday as he seeks a way out of the Checkatrade.com Stadium halfway through a two-year deal.

Reds have already rejected bids for last season’s 21-goal top scorer from Notts County and another unnamed club but Southend are confident of agreeing a fee for the former MK Dons striker.

Boss Mark Yates gave another strong indication that McLeod is no longer part of his plans yesterday when he stripped the 30-year-old of the No.9 shirt he wore last season.

McLeod has been given squad No.22 instead with summer signing Lee Barnard – who ironically was at Southend last season – taking over the No.9 shirt.

On-loan Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman looks likely to start the opening game of the League One season against Oxford United on Saturday after being given the No.1 shirt with Callum Preston wearing No.12.

The No.3 shirt has been left vacant as Yates continues his hunt for a left-back with Crystal Palace prospect Christian Scales thought to be among his potential targets for a loan deal.