Blackpool could be prepared to let Nottingham Forest target Josh Bowler leave this summer.
The Reds tried to prise the winger away from Bloomfield Road in January as they looked to strengthen their wide areas. Multiple bids were turned down, while deadline day saw them go head-to-head with Championship rivals Bournemouth in a failed attempt to secure his signature.
Bowler ended up staying put with the Seasiders and has continued to be a key player, taking his goal tally up to eight in 43 appearances this term. He is out of contract at the end of the campaign, but the club do hold an option to extend his deal by 12 months.
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LancsLive report the 23-year-old will be “seen as a priority” to tie down to a long-term deal. However, if that doesn’t happen, it “would be expected” Blackpool could let him leave, rather than face the possibility of losing him for nothing in 2023.
Chief executive Ben Mansford has already admitted he expects there to be interest in Bowler once the transfer window opens. He said last month: “He will attract interest and we have good dialogue with Josh and his representatives. We’ll have to keep everyone updated as to how things go.”
He added: “It’s a real credit to Josh how he’s handled himself after a lot of speculation in January. He deserves a lot of credit.”
Bowler was also linked with Stoke City, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers in January. And since then, Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Norwich City and Brentford have reportedly shown an interest.
