‘Pool Have Cork Bid Accepted

In breaking transfer news this lunchtime, the Lancashire Telegraph are reporting that Blackpool and Southampton have both had offers in the region of £750,000 accepted for Chelsea’s young midfielder Jack Cork.

The 21 year old is very much a man in demand following a successful 18 month loan spell at Burnley – indeed, the Clarets are said to also want to sign the England Under 21 international permanently, whilst Nottingham Forest, Leeds and Swansea have also registered an interest.

The Seasiders have been tracking Cork since last summer, and with the prospect of losing both Charlie Adam and David Vaughan this summer, Ian Holloway has moved quickly to get his man.

The ‘Pool face stern competition for his signature though, especially if Burnley submit an offer; Cork recently said that he would very happy to sign for Eddie Howe’s side permanently following his time spent on loan at Turf Moor.

Southampton might also have an edge over the Seasiders because Cork has also spent time on loan there before, and also played at Scunthorpe on loan under current Saints manager Nigel Adkins. Swansea could also have an edge over us if they make an offer for the player, with their manager Brendan Rodgers having worked with Cork as a youngster at Chelsea.

Either way, how this potential transfer is handled is Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston’s first big test of the summer as he looks to reassure both his manager and the club’s supporters that he is prepared to spend money on rebuilding the side following relegation from the Premier League.

The Lancashire Telegraph report that talks with Cork could be held this week, with the player travelling back for an U21 training camp in Spain ahead of their friendly against Norway on Sunday at Southampton.

Despite not making the grade at Chelsea, Cork is a very talented player and would definitely fit into Ollie’s policy of signing young players and polishing them up. Indeed, we had a Scout Report on Cork planned for next week that we were set to publish next week but will now move forward to tonight, so stay tuned to Vital!