Nottingham Forest are reported to have had a third bid rejected for Blackpool winger Josh Bowler.
The Reds have stepped up their pursuit of the 22-year-old as they chase attacking reinforcements before next Monday’s deadline.
Bowler and Millwall’s Jed Wallace remain top targets, with that interest heightened by Brentford upping their offer for Nigel Doughty Academy graduate Brennan Johnson.
According to our colleagues at LancsLive, however, Forest’s latest attempt to prise Bowler from the Seasiders is believed to have been turned down.
The club’s previous offer was said to have comprised more cash up front, after the initial approach was largely incentives based.
Blackpool are thought to be looking for at least seven-figures for the wide man, who has also been linked with Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City.
Forest have already made three signings in the January window, bringing in striker Keinan Davis, defender Steve Cook and full-back Richie Laryea.
But, as they target a promotion push, head coach Steve Cooper is looking to bolster his squad further before deadline day.
Bowler made the move to Bloomfield Road in the summer, joining from Everton on a 12-month deal with an option to extend.
Blackpool boss Neil Critchley is keen to hang on to him, telling LancsLive last week: “Josh is here, he’s our player, I’m expecting a big second half of the season from him because I think he’ll only get better.
“He’s showing improvement in his game all the time which we’re trying to help him with and I know he’s enjoying being here and we want that to continue.
“From the conversations I’ve had with Josh, he’s really settled and happy here.”
