Blackpool FC deadline day: Matt Scrafton’s verdict on what business could be done

Blackpool weren’t initially expecting to be too busy ahead of tonight’s transfer deadline, but circumstance appears to have forced them into action.

As Simon Grayson predicted towards the beginning of the window, Blackpool have already been one of the busiest clubs in England this month.

There’s been eight incomings, nine if you count Grant Ward’s arrival at the end of December.

Meanwhile last night’s departures of Callum Guy and Ben Tollitt mean 10 players have headed out of the exit door.

Blackpool have been linked with a move for Reading right-back Teddy Howe, which The Gazette understands could well go through today.

It has been reported elsewhere this will be a loan move until the end of the season but it’s understood this isn’t necessarily the case, as it could be a permanent deal instead.

The 21-year-old might be a familiar face to some Blackpool fans given he featured in both of Reading’s recent FA Cup ties against the Seasiders.

With Andy Yiadom set to return from injury within the next few weeks and Chris Gunter impressing on his return to the side, it is thought that Howe will find himself well down in the pecking order at the Madejski Stadium.

Right-back is probably the only position Pool currently lack depth in, with Ollie Turton the only man who can claim to be a natural in that area of the pitch.

Liam Feeney could potentially fill in there should Turton be unavailable for whatever reason, but he’s more of an attack-minded player who freely admits himself he doesn’t enjoy the defensive side of the game.

Elsewhere, Rotherham United appear to have reignited their interest in Pool defender Curtis Tilt.

The Millers, who were keen on signing the 28-year-old during the summer, are in need of another centre-back following an injury to former Seasider Clark Robertson.

Manager Paul Warne was recently quoted as saying he had a target in mind to strengthen his defensive options and it’s understood that man is Tilt.

It was initially believed the Millers would wait until the summer to strike a deal for the defender given his contract expires at the end of the season.

But the South Yorkshire outfit have been strongly linked with a £100,000 move ahead of tonight’s deadline.

Should Tilt depart, the Seasiders would surely require further cover in the centre-back department to make up for the loss - with Ryan Edwards currently out injured and Ben Heneghan and Jordan Thorniley their only other recognised central defenders.

Any other departures are unlikely unless clubs are able to meet valuations for Pool’s players, something Simon Grayson said hadn’t happened when speaking to the press yesterday morning.

Armand Gnanduillet will inevitably be linked with Charlton Athletic again given their desire to bring in another striker should their star man Lyle Taylor depart for pastures new.

The Addicks have reportedly tabled a bid for Bristol Rovers forward Jonson Clarke-Harris, but no news has been forthcoming on whether or not that offer has been accepted.

Either way, happy deadline day folks.