Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Pitman Blackpool deal collapses, but second club joins race to sign striker
BRETT Pitman has rejected a move to Blackpool but still looks likely to depart Dean Court imminently after another club entered the race to sign him.[LNB] Chairman Eddie Mitchell last night confirmed that Pitman's proposed move to the Seasiders had collapsed and that Cherries had yesterday been in discussions with a second, as yet un-named club.[LNB] Mitchell refused to reveal the interested party and declined to elaborate when quizzed on the situation, although the Echo understands those transfer talks are at an advanced stage.[LNB] Speaking to the Echo, Mitchell said: I will confirm that the Blackpool deal is dead in the water.[LNB] There's a lot of interest and, if people can be patient, we should be able to update the situation on Monday.[LNB] Echo sources suggest a deal could be close to being finalised for Pitman and, should the homegrown striker exit Dean Court, it would bring to an end a lengthy on-off transfer saga.[LNB] His prolific goalscoring last term fired the club out of League Two and caught the eye of opposing managers around the country, with a number of Championship clubs believed to have taken note.[LNB] But interest in the 22-year-old striker intensified this week after a host of top flight and Championship scouts flocked to Dean Court to see him net a clinical hat-trick in the 5-1 victory over Peterborough United.[LNB] Mitchell did not disclose the club he had been in negotiations with, but the likes of Doncaster Rovers, QPR and Ipswich Town are believed to be Pitman admirers, while fellow second tier clubs Swansea City and Bristol City are known to be on the look-out for attacking reinforcements.[LNB] A switch to the Championship looks most likely for Pitman after he failed to agree a move to Premier League newcomers Blackpool, who had agreed a deal, believed to have been in the region of £600,000, with Cherries on Wednesday.[LNB] Pitman flew to the North West on Thursday and underwent a medical, before talks broke down. Despite that, sources close to the Echo suggested that the Seasiders were still keen to revive the deal yesterday and bring Cherries' top scorer to Bloomfield Road.[LNB] But their chances of recruiting Pitman last night disappeared after Mitchell confirmed discussions had taken place with another club.[LNB] ¢ For the latest developments on this story as they unfold, visit bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport[LNB]
