DJ And Dobbie Deals Dead... For Now

After their heroics on loan during the second half of last season, Blackpool understandably wanted to make the loan deals of DJ Campbell and Stephen Dobbie permanent.

However, after failing to agree prices for either player with Leicester and Swansea respectively, both deals are currently dead in the water.

In the case of DJ, Leicester want close to £2 million for the player - a fee that the Seasiders refuse to pay given that they were quoted at £250,000 for him this time last year, his already high wages, the fact that he has only one year left on his contract, and that he has no real re-sale value being 28.

Leicester have so far refused to lower their demands though as they continue to play hardball over the player who is also attracting interest from Bristol City.

Speaking to the Leicester Mercury, Foxes chief executive Lee Hoos said:

'There aren't really negotiations per se with Blackpool.

'They have been in contact with us and we have made our position known, and they have made their position known. And that is it.

'Blackpool aren't there but there may be a couple of other clubs, you just don't know.'

Meanwhile, in the case of Stephen Dobbie, Swansea are holding out for around £500,000, whilst the Seasiders are only willing to pay around half that, so again, the deal is presently dead in the water.

Indeed, Dobbie himself has been speaking to the Welsh press about how he is looking to recreate Blackpool's promotion success with Swansea next season:

'I had a great time at Blackpool and it was a good feeling to win the play-off final.

'But it wasn't quite the same for me as the other lads because I didn't really know what was happening with my future.

'There was talk of Blackpool wanting me on a permanent move, but I didn't hear anything concrete on that.

'But I'm just focused on returning to Swansea for pre-season training.

'Having experienced the thrill of the play-offs at Blackpool, I want to do the same at Swansea next season.

'It won't be easy, but Blackpool's success proved that you don't need a massive budget to move into the Premier League.'

Despite both deals appearing to have fallen through at present, I thoroughly expect the Seasiders to make fresh moves for the players - and their valuations to drop - as the season begins to draw closer.

Meanwhile, on the subject of money, rumours were rife around Blackpool last night that manager Ian Holloway has resigned over concerns over his new contract and his transfer and wage budget.

It is our understanding that these rumours are wide of the mark, but that indeed there is some aggrevation from Holloway's side about the way that certain issues are being dealt with, although the ever canny Ollie could just be doing his upmost to secure the best deal possible for himself.

As we've said before, promotion to the Premier League is the greatest thing that has ever happened to this club... let's not blow it, eh?

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