Southend defender Adam Barrett says he would like to remain at Roots Hall, inspite of interest from Colchester.
The 27 year old, who has one year remaining on his contract, had attracted a bid from the U's last week.
Barrett informed his club's website, "I am happy at Southend and I do not want to go anywhere else. Everyone knows how much I love playing for the club. It is flattering that another team would like to sign me however I have been informed I am staying and that is fine."
Colchester said last week that they had lodged an "undisclosed six-figure" bid with their local rivals, which BBC Essex thinks is in the region of £200,000.
But Shrimpers chairman Ron Martin informed his club's website, "Under no circumstances will Adam be leaving. I am surprised that Colchester have made an offer, and then gone one step further by publicising it."
Barrett has made 116 league appearances since joining Southend from Bristol Rovers in 2004, having also played for Plymouth and Mansfield.
He helped them triumph back to back promotions in 2005 and 2006, even though the Shrimpers were relegated from the Championship last season.
03 July 2007
Bradford sign experienced forwards Peter Thorne and Barry Conlon on one year contracts.
Thorne, 34, was released by Norwich at the end of last season, after scoring 2 goals in 42 appearances in his 2 seasons at Carrow Road.
Meanwhile, 28 year old Conlon left Mansfield after spending the 2nd half of last season at Field Mill.
He scored 12 goals last season in 36 League 2 appearances for Mansfield and Darlington.
Conlon has made 317 league appearances for Manchester City, Plymouth, Southend, York, Colchester, Darlington (two spells), Barnsley, Rotherham and Mansfield.
Thorne started his career at Blackburn and has also played for Wigan, Swindon, Stoke and Cardiff.
His overall record is 139 goals in 408 league appearances.
