Blackpool and Fleetwood join Portsmouth, Ipswich and Oxford in the hunt for ex-Sunderland man

The Gazette’s sister paper the Portsmouth News claims the 23-year-old is also a target for Pompey as well as Ipswich Town and Oxford United.

Robson left the Stadium of Light in June after not being handed a new deal

The free agent, who scored one goal in 14 appearances for the Black Cats, impressed during loan spells with Dundee and Grimsby Town.

The central midfielder joined his local side at the age of eight and rose through the ranks before turning professional in 2014.

His departure this summer brought an end to his 16-year spell with the Wearside outfit.

The Seasiders are currently short on options in Robson’s position, with Matty Virtue and Ben Garrity the only two players on their books capable of playing in central midfield.

Blackpool have recently been linked with a move for former Swindon Town midfielder Anthony Grant.

The 33-year-old, who was recently voted Swindon’s player of the season, was seen in a video in Manchester alongside Blackpool’s recent signings Keshi Anderson and Jerry Yates.

All three were team-mates at Swindon last season, Yates on loan from Rotherham United.

However, Swindon boss Richie Wellens insists Grant was only there for a night out.

Grant joined the Robins on a short-term contract in January following a four-month loan from Shrewsbury Town.

He has around 500 EFL appearances to his name, including spells with Southend United, Crewe Alexandra, Port Vale and Peterborough United. The Londoner played 30 times for Swindon in League Two last season.

It has been reported that Swindon are eager to agree a new deal with Grant, just as Robins boss Wellens made no secret of his desire to sign Yates.

Fleetwood, meanwhile, are also looking to bolster their midfield options following the recent departures of Kyle Dempsey and Dean Marney.

The Cod Army are expected to make a decision soon on former loanee Jordan Rossiter, who was released by Rangers earlier in the summer.

Reports over the last few days have suggested the former Rangers midfielder is on course to secure a permanent deal at Highbury, where he was a success on loan last season – but it is not as clear-cut as that,

The Gazette understands there have been stumbling blocks as Town looked to bring the 23-year-old Liverpudlian through the door on a permanent basis.

Rossiter was a key player for Town head coach Joey Barton in the early months of last season, making 19 appearances before a season-ending knee injury in late November. He then continued to use the club’s facilities on the road to recovery, rather than returning to Scotland.

It is believed the England youth international is willing to commit his future to Fleetwood. However, the club would not be able to match his wages at Ibrox.

Meanwhile, the experienced former Premier League midfielder Glenn Whelan recently extended his stay at Highbury.