Premier prospects on shopping list for Pool

With the transfer window closing in only 12 days, Pool’s search for additions is intensifying after missing out one a number of their targets so far this month.

It’s understood the Seasiders have contacted several Premier League clubs – including Sunderland, Stoke and Newcastle – to enquire about taking young talent on loan until the end of the season.

Neil McDonald watched Blackburn Rovers’ U21s beat Leicester City’s on Monday. The Pool manager is a regular at the Premier League’s second string matches.

The departure of Jose Cubero has freed up money on the player budget for McDonald.

The Costa Rican’s return home to play for Herediano was finally confirmed yesterday after weeks of talks.

Midfielder Cubero was one of the highest-paid players at Bloomfield Road and admits he took a pay cut to go home.

He said: “It is true I sacrifice some things for the move, but it was something I was willing to do.

“The money is something which is part of playing in England and I had six months left on my contract.

“But I’m happy to sacrifice that to get back to the level I was at and back playing for my country.”

Cubero was unveiled to the Costa Rican media yesterday and said he had no regrets about his time at Blackpool.

He said: “The chance to go abroad is always good for any footballer. I’ll take the positives from my time at Blackpool.

“The first year I was in the Championship, which is a level above most countries’ top leagues. Once we were relegated I wasn’t happy and wanted to leave.”