Blackpool could play some part in the January sales

Neil Critchley admits there are likely to be some ins and outs at Blackpool in the January transfer window but says nothing is imminent.
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The window is now officially open, meaning that the Seasiders have the next few weeks to complete any deals.

Following a hectic summer that saw 17 players arrive and a further 21 depart, Blackpool are unlikely to be too busy.

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Nevertheless, Critchley is still keen to strengthen and there are likely to be a handful of additions and departures.

Neil Critchley hopes to extend Dan Ballard's loan with BlackpoolNeil Critchley hopes to extend Dan Ballard's loan with Blackpool
Neil Critchley hopes to extend Dan Ballard's loan with Blackpool

“We’ve been having conversations for a number of weeks. There’s nothing imminent but it’s an unpredictable market, January is very unpredictable,” Critchley told The Gazette.

“We had a conversation on Thursday morning about it. I wouldn’t expect a massive amount of business in January like there has been in previous windows, hence the reason we did a lot of work in the summer.

“I’d be lying if I said we weren’t looking at ins and outs, one or two in or one or two out. There might be something.

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“We’re looking at areas of the pitch where we feel as though we could improve for the second half of the season – but that’s our job, you’d be expecting us to do that.”

With only two recognised strikers on the books in Gary Madine and Jerry Yates, a lot of Pool fans have speculated that another number nine could be high on the agenda.

Critchley says that isn’t necessarily the case as they have a number of attacking players who can fill in.

“I think we’ve got a lot of attacking players and a lot of attacking options within the squad,” he added.

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“You’ve only got to look at Bez (Lubala), Sullay (Kaikai), Keshi (Anderson), Kempy (Dan Kemp) and Demetri Mitchell can also play on the wing.

“There’s Oliver Sarkic and Ben Woodburn who are both still here.

“We’ve got a lot of attacking options, it’s about finding the right balance and finding the right solution to the team that we’re playing against.

“I still think we’ve got a strong squad, but we are looking.”

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One deal that is likely to be completed is the extension of Dan Ballard’s loan, which is due to expire this month.

The 21-year-old has been an important player for the Seasiders so far this season, despite his game time being limited by injury, suspension and international call-ups.

Nevertheless, the Arsenal loanee – who has made 12 appearances in all competitions – has still managed to leave a lasting impression on Pool fans.

Critchley is hoping that the defender’s spell with the club will be extended “very shortly”.

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“We’ve been speaking to Arsenal and the agreement is quite close,” Pool’s head coach said.

“Arsenal are happy for him to stay, Dan wants to stay as well, so we’re hoping to conclude that very shortly.”

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