Blackpool boss Michael Appleton responds to speculation linking Jerry Yates to Rangers, Watford, West Brom and others

After netting his third brace in his last four games during last weekend’s derby against Preston North End, reports emerged suggesting Rangers were keeping tabs on the 25-year-old.

Other reports, meanwhile, have claimed as many as 10 clubs were scouting the striker last Saturday, with the likes of Bournemouth, Brentford, Watford and West Brom among them.

Appleton isn’t too bothered by the speculation though and if anything welcomes it as good news for both Yates and the club.

“I’m not at all surprised,” he told The Gazette.

“The reality is if you sit there on top of the goalscoring charts, and not only that how well he is playing, the reality is (you’re going to get linked).

“He was probably a bit frustrated in the earlier parts of the season because he felt he had opportunities he wasn’t making the best of.

“But he was putting the performances in to back up staying in the team and being a big part of our side.

“I’m just delighted he’s getting the reward for that and what comes with that is what we’ve seen this week in terms of the speculation.

“I don’t see it as a bad thing, I don’t see it as something that bothers me. I think it’s brilliant for him and us as a football club.

“I want him to continue on this scoring spree he’s on at the minute.”

Should firm interest emerge during the January transfer window, the Seasiders are in a strong position given Yates is under contract until 2024, with the club also holding the option to extend by a further 12 months.

“That’s probably why I’m so relaxed about it,” Appleton added.

“The reality is at this moment in time he’s a Blackpool player and he’s doing fantastically well, he’s enjoying his football. He’s larger than life around the training ground at the minute.

“We just want to keep him in that frame of mind. If we do, it gives us a good chance he will continue to do what he’s doing.”