League One side Blackpool recently announced they are set to release right-sided defender Jordan Gabriel after five-years at the club. Now, sources have exclusively revealed to THE DECK that several League One and Championship clubs are already monitoring his availability ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old is one of several names that were listed by Steve Bruce on Blackpool’s retained list, despite reportedly being a transfer target for both Lincoln City and Oxford United in the past.
“I’d like to say a big well done to Jordan Gabriel, it’s probably his final game for the club – he’s been a terrific servant,” said Bruce to the Blackpool Gazette earlier in the month.
Gabriel found his game time limited as the season progressed as the former Premier League manager opted to utilise him off the bench despite a promising start.
Several League One Clubs Interested in Blackpool Defender Jordan Gabriel
Several League One clubs have already expressed a very early interest in the player, with Burton Albion, Reading, League Two Champions Doncaster Rovers and League Two Play-Off hopefuls Notts County mentioned by the source. However, it has been stressed that interest at this stage is early and that “several” other unnamed League One sides have been asked to be kept informed on his availability.
It is unknown at this stage whether former suitors Oxford United and Lincoln City are still interested in the player with the transfer window still closed and proceedings still at an early stage. The Imps were looking for a replacement for Huddersfield Town bound Lasse Sorensen but were able to Tendayi Darikwa, who picked up several awards at the Imps’ end of season ceremony.
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Several Championship clubs have also expressed an interest, although at this stage it is too early to see if any will come to fruition.
A dip but not a dive
This season may not have gone how Gabriel would have been hoping, but in the opportunities he did have later in the season he was able to showcase his talent. There is a question as to which league he will end up in next season, League One seems to be the most obvious destination, but Oxford had been interested in the past and an ambitious League Two club could tempt the free agent to drop down with the promise of more regular game time.