Blackpool‘s pursuit of Chesterfield winger James Berry may have stepped up after Steve Bruce confirmed a second bid had been submitted for a player.
The Seasiders had tabled an initial bid to Paul Cook’s side for the 24-year-old, who has shone in League Two this season with seven goals and 3 assists in 11 starts in the fourth tier, with an additional three goals in the EFL Trophy. That offer was rejected by The Spireites, as reported by the Derbyshire Times.
Bruce Confirms Second Bid
Speaking to the Blackpool Gazette, former Sheffield Wednesday boss Bruce spoke about the club’s early transfer possibilities and gave an update on one transfer pursuit.
“We’re not any closer than we were last week, but we’ve tabled a couple of offers and we’ve improved an offer for one, so let’s see where that takes us.
“Let me put it out there, I will not spend unless it’s going to improve us. That’s the aim, otherwise what’s the point.
“All fit and ready to go, we’ve got a squad that is capable of taking us where we want to get to, but it’s been when we haven’t been fit where we haven’t had that quality.”
And when asked about the interest in Berry, the 64-year-old added:
“I’m not going to give you any names because I believe that would be morally wrong, and I’m from the old school. I’m not going to tell you who we have bid for.”
Their offer for the Chesterfield player comes after Southampton decided to recall Dom Ballard from his spell at Bloomfield Road.
Writer’s View
Whilst it is not known who the improved offer Blackpool have tabled is for, it does look seem it is for James Berry. Signing a winger has been a priority in this window, having lost Dom Ballard to a recall by Southampton and the sale of Elliot Embleton to Carlisle United since the start of the month. CJ Hamilton needs some backup on the left-hand side, and whilst Sonny Carey is capable, he is a central midfielder by trade and not a dedicated winger like Berry is. With Hamilton out for a two-month spell, getting the 24-year-old in is key.
Football journalist with The Real EFL since 2023. A 2024 Multimedia Journalism graduate from the University of Salford, Lewis specialises in Salford City FC and EFL coverage.
