Newly promoted Championship side Charlton Athletic are closing in on a multi-million transfer of Blackpool player Rob Apter this summer window.
The Addicks earned promotion through the League One play-offs last season with Nathan Jones keen to ensure the club’s return to the second tier becomes a more permanent fixture. With that they have been active in the transfer window.
They may have missed out on Leyton Orient’s Ethan Galbraith but they have been able to add quality to their squad with Amari’i Bell and Sonny Carey amongst those moving to The Valley.
But it would appear their shopping spree is not close to completion as they have now seen a bid accepted by League One Blackpool.
Charlton Athletic Transfer Deal Accepted by Blackpool
Charlton have reportedly according to Football Insider agreed a deal worth in excess of £2million for Rob Apter from Blackpool with the three parties now close to completing the agreement that will see the 22-year-old step up to the Championship.
Manager Steve Bruce has seemingly been resigned to losing his star for some time and confirmed Charlton’s interest.
“We’ve had conversations with Charlton, but where it’s at, I really don’t know – that’s for others to talk about,” Bruce said.
“We don’t want to sell Rob, but we all know in football that everyone has their price. Whether there are any more developments, I’m not too sure.
“He’s a dying breed. He’s one of those that can go past people and make something happen. None of us want him to go, but it’s football. It’s obviously a difficult situation, for Rob he could get to the Championship.
“As a manager, you don’t want these lads to go, but everyone’s got their price, and if it gets to a level where we think it’s good money for us, then we’ll have a look at it and see where it takes us.
“We’re always planning. You never want to sell your best players, but when the bigger boys come with a financial package, then it becomes a difficult situation.”
Blow for Blackpool But Money Talks
Unfortunately for Blackpool the money in the Championship, even for a newly promoted side means that any attempts to keep hold of a player are often futile. However, the club have been rewarded with a huge deal and will benefit from the increased reputation they gain from nurturing talent to progress to a higher league.
No club wants to lose their best players but often these sales do allow clubs to attract the next batch of young stars as they look at the club as a potential stepping stone to bigger clubs.