ORIENT boss Russell Slade fears there is nothing he can do to keep Tamika Mkandawire at the club.

Highly-rated centre-back Mkandawire has been offered a new deal by Orient, but he is reportedly determined to join a Championship side.

“We’ve offered Tam a contract and we would love him to stay at this club” Slade told Guardian Series Sport.

“But it’s become apparent that there’s five or six clubs which are after him.”

“It’s a situation where Tam was not going to sign for another year for us.”

“We’re really disappointed at the loss as he’s been a good servant to the club, but he wants championship football” Slade added.

Mkandawire has long been the subject of transfer speculation. He was joint third top scorer with seven goals last season.

Slade has been hard at work to ensure Mkandawire does not leave too large a hole in the backline.

He has brought in defenders Terell Forbes and Aaron Brown to Brisbane Road.

Orient will not get a penny if Mkandawire does exit the club, as he is out of contract.

He is also too old for Orient to be compensated if he quits.