Blackpool capture highly-rated West Ham midfielder on loan to make it TEN signings for the summer

Blackpool have made highly-rated West Ham midfielder Dan Kemp their 10th signing of the summer.

The 21-year-old, who can play either as a winger or a number 10, will spend the season on loan with the Seasiders.

The deal sees the Hammers retain the option to recall Kemp in January should they wish to do so.

The England Under-20 international, who came through the youth ranks at Chelsea before joining West Ham in 2015, spent time on loan with Stevenage last season.

Having joined during the January transfer window, he made six appearances for the League Two side, scoring once, before the season was cut short because of Covid-19.

“I’m delighted to be here at a club of this size and can’t wait to get started,” Kemp said of his move.

“There’s a lot of things that make this club somewhere players want to join – the head coach, the way the team wants to play, the vision for the future. It’s all really exciting and I think it will be a good season for the club.

“I’m young, hungry and want to do well. Hopefully I can show what I’m about and help Blackpool push on this coming season.”

Because Kemp was aged 20 on January 1 of this year, the midfielder won’t count towards Blackpool’s cohort of senior players.

It means the Seasiders still have 20 players aged 21 or over on their books, 19 if you discount Jamie Devitt who hasn’t been given a squad number.

New EFL regulations limit sides in League One to just 22 ‘senior’ players.

“I’m pleased we have been able to secure a player of Daniel’s qualities this season,” head coach Neil Critchley said.

“His technical attributes and intelligence will bring a lot to the team, and he further strengthens the squad in the final third of the pitch.

“We thank West Ham for allowing Daniel to join us for the season and we look forward to working with him and helping him develop further.”