Blackpool have confirmed on their official website the arrival of former Derby County target Josh Bowler following his release from Premier League side Everton.
Bowler, 22, joined Everton from Queens Park Rangers in 2017.
The attacking midfielder boasted plenty of potential, but he struggled to break through at Everton and spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan at Hull City in the Championship.
TEAMtalk claimed Derby also wanted to sign Bowler on loan in 2019.
But Bowler moved to Hull, making 28 appearances in the 2019-20 campaign.
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The Tigers ultimately got relegated at the end of the season. However, Bowler had made an impression at KCOM Stadium with Hull keen to make his move permanent.
Everton, though, were reportedly seeking a £5 million fee.
Fast forward one year and now Bowler is back in the Championship with Blackpool.
The newly-promoted club have taken advantage of Bowler’s contract expiry at Goodison Park, signing the former QPR man on a free transfer on an initlal one-year deal.
Former Everton youth manager David Unsworth dubbed Bowler a terrific talent. If he can realise his potential, then Blackpool have picked up a real bargain.
Derby lack creativity:
Derby, meanwhile, are short on creativity and squad depth.
Only 14 senior players are contracted to the club beyond June. This coming off the back of a season where the Rams finished as the lowest scorers in the Championship.
Derby must address their lack of defensive and striker options. But another priority this summer should be the addition of a creative midfielder who can chip in with goals.
Also see: Derby reportedly want to sign Scotland Euro2020 ace, but it makes absolutely no sense
Also see: Derby’s best XI from the 14 contracted players beyond June, including Euro2020 duo