Blackpool prepare for late night at the office on transfer deadline day

Tonight’s 11pm deadline is rapidly approaching, but the Seasiders remain busy at work in their attempt to get some last-minute deals over the line.

It’s already been a busy summer of recruitment for Neil Critchley’s side, who have brought in 10 players so far after Cardiff City midfielder Ryan Wintle became the latest to sign on the dotted line on Saturday, agreeing a season-long loan move.

Wintle only joined Cardiff on a free transfer earlier this summer, making the move to the Welsh capital from Crewe Alexandra.

The central midfielder, who is likely to be a replacement for the injured Grant Ward, currently finds himself down the pecking order with his new club.

It’s understood Cardiff do, however, hold the option to recall Wintle in January should they wish to do so.

Wintle joined Josh Bowler (Everton), Oliver Casey (Leeds United), Sonny Carey (King’s Lynn), Callum Connolly (Everton), Daniel Grimshaw (Man City), Reece James (Doncaster Rovers), Tyreece John-Jules (Arsenal, loan), Richard Keogh (Huddersfield) and Shayne Lavery (Linfield) in making the move to Bloomfield Road this summer.

Blackpool still have work to do, though, and acquiring a new right-back will be their main focus between now and tonight’s deadline.

The Seasiders have been without a specialist right-back for their opening five games of the Championship campaign.

Summer recruit Callum Connolly, who has played the majority of his football to date either at centre-back or as a defensive midfielder, has been the man filling in there.

The 23-year-old faces a ban after being shown a straight red card in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Millwall, leaving Critchley without a right-back for their next league game against Fulham, which takes place after the international break on Saturday, September 11.

However, according to reports, Blackpool have found a solution in the form of Chelsea defender Dujon Sterling.

It’s been reported the 21-year-old is set to sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge before heading to Bloomfield Road on loan for the remainder of the season.

Elsewhere, the Seasiders are also being linked with a six-figure bid for Oxford United midfielder Cameron Brannagan.

It’s unclear whether the Seasiders submitted their bid for Brannagan before or after the arrival of Wintle on Saturday.

The Seasiders were also linked with a £300,000 swoop for Shrewsbury Town’s Josh Vela last week, but Shrews boss Steve Cotterill said he was not aware of any bid being made.

The summer transfer window opened on June 9 and is set to close tonight.

Once the window closes, clubs in the Championship must submit their 25-man squads to the EFL.

The January transfer window opens on Saturday, January 1 before closing at 11.59pm on Monday, January 31.

The Seasiders can still sign free agents outside the window.

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here