Blackpool must land 22-year-old Sunderland midfielder Elliott Embleton after a report claimed the club are trying to sign him on a permanent basis.

What's the talk?

Newly-promoted Blackpool are reportedly set to make a 'significant' transfer offer for Sunderland's Elliott Embleton after the midfielder helped them secure promotion to the Championship.

According to The Northern Echo, Blackpool boss Neil Critchley has told the club to do everything possible to land Embelton on a permanent basis following an impressive loan stint. Blackpool have been given a £6m bonus for winning the play-off final and Critchley would like the club to use some of those funds to sign Embleton this summer.

Sunderland's Max Power was full of praise for Embleton back in September 2020, labeling him as “brilliant” and a "nightmare to play against" in training. He told SAFC Unfiltered:

“He’s technically one of the best players I’ve seen. A good mark of knowing someone’s technically good is he can take corners with both feet.

“I think Elliot’s at that age now where he knows that he needs to stay fit. I know it must be tough for him because I thought last season, he was brilliant in pre-season and then he done his hamstring away at Sheffield United in the [League] Cup.

“He’s someone who sees that pass that other players don’t. He’s a nightmare to play against in training, because he can go either way, shoot off both feet.”

Fans would love it

Blackpool fans would love it if Embleton arrived at the club on a permanent deal ahead of next season. Just under 4,000 supporters were able to watch Embleton in action for the club for the first time in the play-off final at Wembley against Lincoln last weekend and the 22-year-old did not disappoint. Embleton provided the assist for Blackpool's equaliser, spurring them on to go on and win the game 2-1, despite going 1-0 down in the opening minute due to an own goal.

The £4.3k-per-week midfielder recorded an impressive WhoScored rating of 7.00 in the final. He completed two dribbles and 80.8% of his passes, whilst creating two chances for his teammates - one of which created the first goal for Douglas. He endeared himself to the Blackpool faithful by showing that he can put in quality performances on the biggest stage, which is why the fans would love to see him come back for a second season with the club in the Championship.

Embleton played 21 games in League One for Blackpool during his loan spell. He produced two goals and four assists and averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.75. Looking at these statistics and seeing how he fared in the play-off final, it makes sense for Blackpool to attempt to sign him on a permanent basis, so the club should complete this deal and bolster Critchley's squad for the 2021/22 campaign.

AND in other news, SAFC fans should be delighted as £4k-p/w beast has been backed to sign a new deal