Blackpool head coach Steve Bruce wants talented midfielder Rob Apter to remain at Bloomfield Road amid interest from Charlton Athletic.

Fresh from being promoted to the EFL Championship, the Addicks have made the 22-year-old a primary target this summer.

Apter enjoyed an impressive season with the Tangerines in EFL League One last term, alerting the attention of Charlton boss Nathan Jones ahead of the new campaign.

Charlton Athletic to Move for Blackpool Star

As first reported by Pete O’Rourke, Charlton are determined to strengthen their squad, having returned to the second tier after victory in the League One play-off final.

Apter’s teammate last season, Sonny Carey, has already made the switch to join Charlton during this preseason, meaning a reunion could be on the cards should a transfer materialise.

The Scotland under-21 international joined Blackpool’s academy from Tranmere Rovers in 2019 and quickly impressed.

Apter’s quality has rarely been doubted, his potential highlighted when he won the 2023/24 League Two Young Player of the Season award for an impressive loan back at Prenton Park.

Nathan Jones is actively searching for talented attacking players to lay on goals for last season’s leading scorer Matty Godden.

Apter has proven to possess boundless quality in the forward areas and the potential to make the step up to the Championship seamlessly.

How did he fare last season?

It’s little wonder that Apter has been linked with a Championship move after his eye-catching performances last season.

The Liverpudlian featured in 50 matches last season for Steve Bruce’s side, where he was utilised in a variety of attacking positions. He recorded 16 goal involvements, helping Blackpool to a ninth-place finish in the third tier.

A key highlight in his young career was his 12-minute hat-trick against Stevenage back in April. Steve Bruce waxed lyrical about his number 22 following the victory at the Lamex Stadium.

“I’m pleased for the kid. He has had his first real breakthrough season with us and played a lot of games for somebody so young.” Bruce said speaking to Gazette&Herald

If Charlton are successful in luring Apter to the Valley this summer, they can expect to welcome some added flare to their offence.

Charlton Add Quality Ahead of Championship Return

The Addicks have already been busy during the summer transfer window as they attempt to prepare their squad ready for the new challenge. Up until now, there has been a particular focus on defensive reinforcements.

They have already welcomed defenders Amari’i Bell and Reece Burke, both of whom join from Luton Town. Goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski was the third player this summer to have made the move from Kenilworth Road to reunite with Nathan Jones at Charlton.

After a five-year hiatus from the EFL Championship, Charlton Athletic are determined to be ready when the new season kicks off in August.