Football
Exclusive: Blackpool Closing in on Former Millwall Striker Duncan Watmore
Blackpool is making a strong push to sign former Millwall, Middlesbrough, and Sunderland striker Duncan Watmore before the transfer window closes. Watmore, a well-traveled striker with Premier League experience, is eager for a fresh start at a new club after leaving Millwall. Blackpool, led by manager Steve Bruce, is leading the race to secure Watmore's signature as they aim for a promotion push in League One.
Millwall FC v Watford FC - Sky Bet Championship by Ben Peters/MB Media | Getty Images
Blackpool are ramping up the gears in a move to sign former Millwall striker Duncan Watmore before the transfer window slams shut, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The former Sunderland and Middlesbrough hitman was released by the Lions following the end of his contract in June.
But our sources understand the Seasiders are now set to offer Watmore the chance to shine in Lancashire.
Pool boss Steve Bruce is believed to be a big fan of the experienced striker, a player he believes has the ability to deliver goals in League One as the club target a Championship promotion push this term.
And Watmore, a former England Under-21 international and Manchester United academy scholar, is understood to be relishing the chance to rest himself at a new club after three years in East London.
He scored five goals in 26 league games last season but struggled to cement a regular starting place in the side and was not offered a new deal when his three-year contract expired.
If Blackpool can secure a deal, then Watmore would team up with former Millwall teammate George Honeyman, who was also released by the Lions this summer and who made the move to Bloomfield Road to play under Bruce.
PREMIER LEAGUE PEDIGREE
Additionally, he has Premier League experience having played two seasons for the Black Cats in the top-flight, as well as having played nearly 150 combined Championship matches for Boro and the Lions respectively.
Reflecting on his Millwall departure, Watmore said: “I have loved my time at Millwall, a club supported by generations of my family from my great-grandfather onwards."
“I have met many special people whilst I’ve been here. The club is in great hands under the chairman and manager, and I’m confident the lads will have an excellent chance of play-offs next season."
“There are many moments I shall cherish, but none more so than my pride at my young kids joining me on the pitch at the end of the season at The Den. I wish everyone associated with Millwall all the best, and I look forward to continuing to support the lads.”
Hull have also been linked with trying to sign Watmore, but SportsBoom understands the Seasiders are the front-runners in a move to get a deal over the line.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.