Cherries: Blackpool in for Pitman

CHAMPIONSHIP play-off chasers Blackpool are understood to be ready to join the race to sign Cherries striker Brett Pitman. The Seasiders are the latest club to be linked with the free-scoring Channel Islander whose stock has risen sharply this season. Pitman has enhanced his reputation by spearheading Cherries' promotion bid, his keen eye for goal making him one of the hottest properties in League Two. The 21-year-old took his tally for the season to 15 during Cherries' disappointing 2-1 defeat by Bury on Saturday. His injury-time strike against the Shakers saw him continue his rapid rise through the club's list of all-time record league goalscorers, with Pitman now 17th alongside Jack Russell, who played for Cherries during the 1930s. Sources close to the Daily Echo claim Blackpool have been trailing Pitman since before Christmas and could be preparing to table a transfer-window bid. Boss Ian Holloway has been given the green light to bolster his squad this month with Blackpool just two points shy of the Championship play-off zone. Pitman, who progressed through the ranks at Dean Court after crossing the Channel to join the club as a 15-year-old, has been linked with several Championship and League One clubs recently. However, while Peterborough are believed to be the only ones to have made an enquiry, their interest has since cooled following the signing of Izale McLeod on loan from Charlton. Despite the speculation, Cherries boss Eddie Howe, speaking to the Daily Echo on Saturday, confirmed there had been no firm offers for Pitman.

Source: Bournemouth_Echo