Southend hitman Freddy Eastwood is reportedly set to snub a potential Norwich switch in favour of a £1.25m move to Championship rivals Wolves. Sources in the Midlands claim Molineux boss Mick McCarthy has upped his initial bid for the Shrimpers' predator with a performance-related package linked to Wanderers clinching promotion.

Southend hitman Freddy Eastwood is reportedly set to snub a potential Norwich switch in favour of a £1.25m move to Championship rivals Wolves.

Sources in the Midlands claim Molineux boss Mick McCarthy has upped his initial bid for the Shrimpers' predator with a performance-related package linked to Wanderers clinching promotion.

City boss Peter Grant is a long standing admirer of the 23-year-old but Eastwood is poised to complete his move next week when Southend chief Steve Tilson returns from holiday.

Tilson has already been linked with Watford striker Moses Ashikodi as a potential replacement after Southend chairman Ron Martin reluctantly agreed to sanction the departure of his prized asset.

“I wouldn't say Freddy was unhappy but like every footballer he wants to be at the highest level that he possibly can,” said Martin earlier this week. “There has been continued interest, which is what you would expect because he only has a year left on his contract. The offers so far, though, have not been cost effective from our point of view. We know Freddy can be instrumental in helping us get back up into the Championship, but then so could the money and you can never say never.”

Meanwhile, Hull counterpart Paul Duffen revealed yesterday his club are ready to step up their bid to snatch in demand Colchester goal machine Jamie Cureton.

Championship rivals Burnley have also reportedly matched Hull's £250,000 offer for the marksman. The former Norwich trainee handed in a transfer request at Layer Road after his 24 goals helped fire the Us to a top ten finish in their debut Championship season.

Duffen expects Tigers' boss Phil Brown to unveil his first signing next week.

“Jamie' a quality player,” he said. “We understand he's put in a transfer request at Colchester and I think he would fit into the system here very well. It's a complicated situation but we are endeavouring to do something about it. I think that we'll be able to give some positive news on signings early next week.”