Derby County hand Blackpool boost in Sunderland transfer pursuit | OneFootball

Derby County and Blackpool were both linked with a move for Sunderland's Elliot Embleton

Derby County are not pursuing a move for Sunderland’s Elliot Embleton this summer amid links with the 25-year-old in a boost to Blackpool.

According to Derbyshire Live, the Rams are not in the running to sign the midfielder following their promotion to the Championship.

It was reported by Alan Nixon that Paul Warne was keen on adding Embleton to his squad in preparation for life back in the second tier.

Embleton is out of contract in 2025, which has raised some uncertainty over his future at the Stadium of Light.

He also spent time on loan at Pride Park last season, but that was cut short after just one league appearance due to a significant injury issue.

Derby County’s Elliot Embleton stance

Blackpool have also been linked with a move to sign Embleton this summer but will not face competition from Derby.

The midfielder previously spent time on loan with the Seasiders during the 2020-21 campaign, where he made 18 appearances in the league (all stats from Fbref).

However, Warne is looking to prioritise other additions instead of pursuing a move to potentially bring the player back to the club.

Given his current contract situation, it is unlikely that Sunderland would be open to another loan move, meaning a permanent transfer would be the more likely option.

Under those circumstances, the Rams look set to make moves in other areas in order to bolster their squad.

It remains to be seen what decision will be made over Embleton’s future amid speculation over a move to Blackpool.

Neil Critchley was in charge at Bloomfield Road when the player was previously at the club, and is now back at the helm in League One.

It is also understood that Derby are not looking to bring Malcolm Ebiowei back to the club on loan amid uncertainty over his immediate Crystal Palace future.

Derby County’s 2024 summer signings

Derby are preparing for life back in the Championship after coming second in the third division table last season.

Warne has already added the likes of Ebou Adams on a permanent transfer following his spell on loan at the club last year.

Corey Taylor-Blackett has also made the permanent switch to Pride Park after his time on loan with the club.

Meanwhile, deals have been agreed to bring Jerry Yates and David Ozoh to Derby on a temporary basis, with Ben Osborn, Kayden Jackson, and Kenzo Goudmijn all signing on a permanent deal.

Embleton’s contract situation makes deal complicated for Derby

Given Embleton has just a year left on his deal and has fallen down the pecking order at Sunderland, it’s unlikely another loan move would be sanctioned.

The midfielder didn’t get the chance to prove himself at Pride Park last season due to a major injury issue, making it difficult for the Rams to commit to bringing him back on a permanent basis.

If he had been able to play a key role in their promotion then perhaps things would be different now.