Blackpool have opened contract talks with Rangers-linked striker Jerry Yates in an attempt tp fend off interest from other clubs, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
Yates had an excellent 2020/21 season for the Seasiders, scoring 21 goals and notching eight assists in League One.
His form helped Neil Critchley’s side gain promotion to the Championship and attracted attention from other clubs.
The Sun reported in March that Nottingham Forest, Blackburn and Bristol City were all interested in the £2m-rated attacker and then in April, The72 reported that Rangers had joined the race.
There hasn’t been much in the way of speculation since then and the Gers have already added to their attacking options with the signing of Fashion Sakala.
However, O’Rourke asserts that there’s still interest in Yates from multiple unnamed clubs, prompting Blackpool to open talks about a potential new deal.
Yates is already contracted until 2023, having signed a three-year contract after moving to Bloomfield Road from Rotherham United last summer.
Rangers have been linked with plenty of forwards already this summer but after the swoop for Sakala, one would think sales would be required before any other moves are made.
Yates isn’t the tallest of strikers but he showed a real eye for goal last season, with only fellow reported Gers target Jonson Clarke-Harris and Sunderland’s Charlie Wyke scoring more in the English third tier.
Bears may get a chance to see the 24-year-old in action later this month, with the Gers travelling to Bloomfield Road on 21 July for a pre-season fixture against the Seasiders.
One striker who definitely won’t be heading to Ibrox this summer is a Gers-linked South American who has just signed for a Bundesliga club.
