Blackpool linked with move for former Aston Villa man but face competition from Hull City, Portsmouth and others

The 21-year-old is currently without a club since leaving Villa Park this summer, bringing an end to his six-year stay in the West Midlands.

According to journalist Pete O'Rourke, Blackpool are lining up a move for the Irish midfielder.

However, Portsmouth, Hull City, Doncaster Rovers and MK Dons are also thought to be interested.

Despite interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, Doyle-Hayes opted to join Villa in his early teens where former Ireland captain Roy Keane was the assistant manager.

He made his debut for the club in August 2017, starting in Villa's 4-1 League Cup victory over Wigan Athletic.

In January 2019, Doyle-Hayes joined Cambridge United on a six-month loan, but he struggled to force his way into the first-team due to a combination of injuries and international call-ups, only making six appearances in total.

He enjoyed a far more successful loan spell with Cheltenham Town last season, where he made 36 appearances, scoring once.

The Seasiders currently have Ethan Robson, Grant Ward, Keshi Anderson, Matty Virtue, MJ Williams and Cameron Antwi as their midfield options.