Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic are set to join the race to secure the signature of Stoke City forward Niall Ennis, the striker is currently on loan at Blackpool with the coastal club also interested in securing his services.
Niall Ennis is currently on loan at Blackpool from Stoke City, having scored six goals in 18 appearances since joining the club in January.
Failing to make any impression at Championship level after some poor spells with Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City, the forward has always been prolific at League One level, having previously won promotion with Plymouth Argyle.
This form for the Seasiders has put the forward on the radar of other third-division clubs.
Rivals to battle for Ennis’ services
A successful half-season under Steve Bruce at Blackpool has alerted a number of divisional rivals, with Lancashire rivals Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers among those interested.
Reports from Football League World have identified that the pair are prepared to rival Blackpool for Ennis’ signature on a permanent basis.
With his current deal at Stoke City set to expire in the summer, Ennis will likely be available for a free transfer in the summer window after failing to make an impression in Staffordshire.
Among those interested is his former manager Steven Schumacher, who has coached Ennis at both Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City – who now appears to be interested in bringing his ex-striker to Bolton Wanderers.
With playoffs now impossible for the Trotters, it is no surprise to see preparations in place for the coming campaign, where the club will be expecting a charge for promotion in 2025-26.
Blackpool and Wigan Athletic also interested in Niall Ennis
Given Ennis’ form in his short stint with the Seasiders, it is no surprise to see his loan club interested in securing his services on a permanent basis.
With Wigan Athletic, Blackpool, and Bolton all set for League One football next season, an early move for the striker from any of the clubs can be anticipated.
However, as previously mentioned there is a clear advantage for Bolton, given the manager’s previous work and successes with the player – particularly at Plymouth Argyle where Ennis scored on 14 occasions as the Pilgrims amassed 101 points.
Ennis’ most prolific spell as a striker came under the Liverpool-born coach, so a reunion in the coming months would not come as a surprise.
However, given the player’s successes with Blackpool, it would also not be a shock if his tenure at Bloomfield Road was to become permanent.
Despite struggles in the Championship in recent years, Ennis has consistently proven to be a reliable talisman at League One level, this would be a real coup for any club in the division.