Blackpool are close to signing Cameron Brannagan from Oxford United, months after links over a move to Preston North End.
The Oxford Mail report that Blackpool have now triggered a seven-figure release clause in Brannagan’s contract.
Blackpool allegedly offered £1million for Brannagan in January, but Oxford refused to sell their star midfielder.
It’s no great surprise that Blackpool have returned with a new move for Brannagan this summer and they finally appear to have landed their man.
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Brannagan’s name will be familiar with Preston fans having been linked with North End on a number of occasions over the years.
The Sun reported in April that North End were eyeing up a summer move for Brannagan, though Blackpool, Stoke City, Sheffield United and Queens Park Rangers were also keen.
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That rumour didn’t really add up; Preston had invested heavily in midfielders over the last four years with Ryan Ledson, Ben Whiteman and Ali McCann all arriving.
Add in Alan Browne as well as Daniel Johnson and it just didn’t add up for Preston to splash a seven-figure fee on another midfielder given the other areas of need.
Ben Woodburn – a former Liverpool talent just like Brannagan – ended up joining instead, making more sense for Preston as he was available for free.
Assistant boss Mike Marsh did coach Brannagan at Liverpool though and that gave some level of credibility to the rumours.
Ultimately though, Preston haven’t had a move for Brannagan and will now see him turn out for bitter rivals Blackpool instead.
Whether North End have missed the boat on a quality Championship player remains to be seen, but the 26-year-old has certainly impressed at Oxford with 29 goals and 17 assists in 188 games for the club.