Blackpool make last-ditch deadline day loan swoop for highly-rated Sunderland midfielder

The 21-year-old, who has signed a new contract with the Black Cats before heading out on loan, will spend the remainder of the campaign at Bloomfield Road.

A former England youth international, Embleton has featured 12 times for Sunderland this season and made 21 first-team appearances overall.

An attacking-midfielder, Embleton has represented England from Under-17 to Under-20 level.

He previously scored four goals in 30 appearances during a successful loan spell with Grimsby Town.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring Elliot to the club,” Blackpool boss Neil Critchley said.

“He’s a player that I’ve been aware of for a number of years now, having watched him play for Sunderland’s Under-18s, Under-23s and first-team.

“Elliot has had good international experience with England at youth level and is capable of playing in various attacking positions.

“He’s someone who identifies with the way we want to play football and I believe he can really add something to the group.”

Embleton’s departure from the Stadium of Light has caused surprise among the Sunderland fans who were keen to see him more involved with Lee Johnson’s first-team.

Explaining the decision to loan Embleton out to a League One rival, with Salford City, Carlisle United and Mansfield Town all reportedly interested, Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “Elliot requires a little more opportunity than we can provide at this moment and it’s an important period for him following the time he missed through injury.

“We have a clear plan for his progression and felt that under Neil, Blackpool was a great chance for him to gain more experience at this level in a different environment.

“We’ve taken the option on his contract for next season and we are all aligned on what he needs to do in the period leading up to the summer.

“He’s really excited about the challenge and we look forward to supporting him from afar.”

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