The Seasiders are currently locked in a battle with Sunderland for the Nottingham Forest right-back, who helped Neil Critchley’s men seal promotion from League One last season.
Forest boss Chris Hughton, who it’s understood prefers a more traditional, defensively-minded right-back, is reportedly happy for Gabriel to depart - but only if the club’s valuation is met and not until they have a replacement lined up.
Following Gabriel’s return to the City Ground and Ollie Turton’s surprise departure to Huddersfield Town, Blackpool are currently short on options at right-back.
Callum Connolly has played there at times in pre-season, but he’s not a specialist in that position. Mitch Clark, meanwhile, has been on trial from Leicester City.
For a bit of fun, The Gazette has taken a look at some alternative right-backs the Seasiders could look at if they’re not able to get Gabriel over the line...
7. Marcel Lavinier, Tottenham U23s
The 20-year-old has been a regular starter for Tottenham’s Under-23 side, but made his first-team debut against Austrian side Wolfsberger AC in the Europa League in February 2021. A fast, offensively-minded full-back, who has been compared to Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey.
8. Sam Long, Oxford United
The 26-year-old was Oxford’s standout performer last season and played a leading role in Karl Robinson’s men reaching the League One play-offs. Made 44 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring six times.
9. Connor McAvoy, Fulham U23s
The 19-year-old Scotland Under-19 international was a regular starter for Fulham’s academy side last season and was often the first name on the team sheet. Predominately a centre-back, but is capable of playing on the right-hand side of defence.
10. Jason McCarthy, Wycombe Wanderers
The 25-year-old made 26 appearances for Gareth Ainsworth’s men in the Championship last season, having initially joined on loan from Millwall in 2019/20. Now in his fourth spell with the Chairboys.
11. Regan Poole, Lincoln City
A January signing from MK Dons, the 23-year-old former Wales youth international quickly established himself as one of the league’s standout right-backs last season. The former Manchester United youngster made 25 appearances for the Imps.
12. George Tanner, Carlisle United
The Blackpool-born defender joined Carlisle in August 2020 following his release from Manchester United, where he’d been since 2015. The 21-year-old impressed under former Seasider Chris Beech last term, making 42 appearances in all competitions.