SOUTHEND United are considering reporting Chesterfield to the Football League for the way they have handled their pursuit of Ryan Cresswell, the Echo understands.

Blues have rejected an offer of £25,000 from the Spireites for the centre-back, who is keen to return to the north of the country.

But the size of the bid has angered the Shrimpers, who have previously rejected an offer of £80,000 from Fleetwood Town.

And the club’s hierarchy could now take the matter further.

“Southend are very disappointed with how Chesterfield have conducted themselves in trying to sign Ryan Cresswell,” said a source close to the club.

“They have already rejected offers from Fleetwood and York which have been widely reported, yet Chesterfield have come in with a bid lower than those which have already been made.

“In their view it’s been done to solely try and unsettle the player and they’re looking into whether or not to take the matter to the Football League because they think Ryan might have been tapped up by them.”

Cresswell is believed to favour a switch to Chesterfield but still has a year remaining on his contract at Roots Hall.

The 25-year-old impressed last term during his first season at Roots Hall and scored eight goals in 54 games for the club.

Cresswell finished second in Blues’ player of the season award and was also voted into the PFA League Two team of the year.