Southend star Nicky Bailey has admitted his shock at being placed on the transfer list at Roots Hall.

Bailey has shunned a new contract offered by United, but in response the Shrimpers listed him.

The 23-year-old midfielder joined Southend from Barnet last summer and he made a huge impact, finishing as top-scorer and earning the Player of the Year award.

But Bailey admits that he was shocked by Southend's reaction to his decision to reject a new contract.

"It is a bit of a shock, I saw what was said and it did shock me," he told skysports.com.

"But I suppose that is football, things happen and you have to get on with it.

"I know some people will look at the situation and think I have engineered this, but I have never given less than 110 per cent for Southend since I arrived and as I have said I am shocked as to what has happened.

"I don't think anyone at the club or the fans would be able to pick fault with my attitude or performances following my arrival.

"When I joined the club I was told I need to 'prove myself' and I think I did that by finishing top-scorer and being Player of the Year."

Bailey admits he is attracted by the prospect of playing at a higher level, after scouts from Premier League and the Championship flocked to check on his performances.

"When I was younger I was at Fulham and got a little taste before I was released, but that has made me hungry," he said.

"To play at the highest level is a huge incentive for me, I am still quite young and think I can do that.

"Rejecting the contract was about ambition, not about money or anything like that and I have never asked to leave the club.

"I was asked to prove myself and I did, and that has obviously impressed others.

"But as I said I am still shocked as to what has happened and we will see what happens."

Bailey's former club Fulham are understood to be one of the clubs watching him, with the likes of Hull, Charlton, Crystal Palace, Queens Park Rangers also believed to be keen.

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