Barnsley have turned down a further bid from Southend for striker Paul Hayes.
Barnsley have turned down a further bid from Southend for striker Paul Hayes.
Southend made their first approach to Barnsley for Hayes prior to last week's FA Cup match between the two teams.
The Shrimpers' opening gambit was rebuffed by their Championship rivals and two further offers have now also fallen short.
Tykes boss Simon Davey revealed earlier this week that Southend's bids had failed to match the £150,000 his club paid Scunthorpe for Hayes's services in June 2005.
Davey confirmed his club would hold out in negotiations even if recent developments have unsettled the striker.
"He wasn't right to play at Luton so we had to leave him out, but he won't be leaving unless the deal's right for us," said Davey.
