Blackpool have had a bid for Carlisle midfielder Owen Moxon turned down according to journalist Jon Colman of the News & Star.
After an incredibly impressive League Two campaign for Moxon last season, it was only a matter of time before a bid came in for the Cumbrian. Sky Sports News reported that a £250,000 bid had been turned down, with Carlisle seeming very reluctant to sell their star player.
Carlisle manager Paul Simpson has very explicitly stated that Moxon is in his plans for the future and it seems as if Simpson will do everything in his power to keep his fellow Cumbrian at Brunton Park. Although the Blues will not be wanting to sell the 25-year-old, they do value their star man far higher than the offer that they received from their new League One rivals.
The two clubs had contrasting fortunes last season with Blackpool being relegated from the Championship and Carlisle being promoted from League Two. The two sides have not faced one another in the Football League since a League Two encounter in 2017 and will have very different aspirations for the forthcoming year. Carlisle will very much be looking to survive in the third tier, whereas Blackpool will be eyeing up a potential return to the Championship, which could attract Moxon to a move away from his boyhood club.
Who is Owen Moxon?
Moxon would begin his youth career with Carlisle but would be released before ever making a senior appearance for the Cumbrians. The midfielder would end up applying his trade over the border in Scotland, appearing for Queen of the South, Gretna 2008 and Annan Athletic in a seven year stint in Scotland. After impressing at Annan, Moxon would return to his boyhood club in 2022 and would experience a breakout year in English football. Not only did the 25-year-old help Carlisle to promotion, but he also took home the club’s Player of the Year award as well as being rewarded with a spot in the League Two Team of the Season. Considering he was still playing football part time as well as being a delivery driver before joining Carlisle, Moxon seems to only just be getting started.
Having registered six goals and 16 assists in League Two last season it is no surprise that Moxon is being rumoured with a move elsewhere, but it does seem highly unlikely that he’ll leave Carlisle unless a monumental offer comes in. Moxon was at the heart of Carlisle’s promotion winning side last season and should be equally as impressive in League One next season. If he is to leave the Cumbrian side, it would come as somewhat of a shock and Carlisle fans would no doubt be worried for the forthcoming season.
Writer’s view
Blackpool seem to only be testing the waters with their bid and the £250,000 offered seems nowhere near Moxon’s value. With Carlisle being his boyhood club, it seems extremely unlikely that Moxon will be on the move this summer unless a big offer from the Championship or SPFL comes in. With his contract up next summer, Carlisle will be looking at extending their star man’s stay at the club to put any speculation to bed. It is expected that the club will comment on the bid in the coming days, so watch this space…
