Out-of-contract Blackpool striker Armand Gnanduillet 'keeping his options' open, says chief executive Ben Mansford

The 28-year-old is free to join another club at the end of the season when his deal with the Seasiders expires.

The Frenchman, the club’s top scorer with 18 goals from 34 games, has been the subject of interest from Championship side Charlton Athletic in the last two transfer windows.

The striker had all but agreed a move to The Valley on the final day of the summer window, only for the deal to break down at the last minute.

The Addicks came in for him again in January but the Seasiders made it clear they had no intention of selling unless a bid came in that was too good to turn down.

The club has since approached Gnanduillet’s representatives to discuss a new contract but that looks unlikely at this current moment in time.

When asked about Gnanduillet’s current situation, Mansford told The Gazette: “I wake up either singing ‘we’ve got Simon Sadler’ or ‘do do do Armand Gnanduillet’ because they’re just two unbelievably catchy tunes.

“Usually most mornings I’m on the phone to Simon early because he’s finished a day of trading in Hong Kong.

“Armand is a bit of a fans’ favourite from what I can see. What is it, 18 goals so far this year?

“We’ve tried to talk to Armand about that (a new contract) but I think he’s got to a situation where he has some contractual freedom coming up and he probably feels he’d like to keep his options open. That’s football.

“If there is a situation where it plays out where he stays, then we’ll let you guys know first.

“But what I can say from the last week or so is that he’s a much bigger voice in that dressing room than I first thought.

“He’s very happy to have a voice and he wants to get better and he wants to push the club to get better and he wants to be demanding of the coaching staff to get the team to a place where it will win.

“I have a huge admiration for Armand.

“When his move in both windows hasn’t materialised, his answer after not getting a move in January was to score three goals in two games.

“I hope there might be a place where we can give the fans some good news, but you’ll hear about it first via us.

“There’s not too much to say other than I respect that he’s a fans’ favourite, I respect he’s scored 18 goals, but he’s got to a place where he wants to keep his options open for now.”