'Pool Linked To Irish Duo

Prior to this morning's rumour linking the Seasiders with a move for winger Bojan Djordic, I had thought that things were a little quiet on the speculation front... it seems like things are starting to pick up though, as this evening the Belfast Telegraph are reporting that BFC are tracking Northern Irish duo Stuart Dallas and Jordan Owens who play for Crusaders.

I'll confess that I'd heard of neither player until a few minutes ago, but from what I can tell, both are highly rated young players, so would fit the bill for us.

Looking at Dallas first, he's a 20 year old winger who scored 16 goals in 35 league appearances last season (his first season as a professional), picking up six Player of the Season awards at the Crusaders end of season dinner, as well as being awarded both the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year accolades. He capped his season off with a debut for Northern Ireland in the Carling Nations Cup as well.

His team mate Owen is a year older and a centre forward, who has scored 44 goals in 111 league games for the Crues. He also made his Northern Irish debut in the Carling Nations Cup.

According to Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter, 'Blackpool representative put out a feeler. It was an initial enquiry but no specific offer.'

If the Seasiders do make a move for the pair, it is believed that they could face competition for Dallas from West Ham.

What this rumour (and the Djordic one) show though is that Ollie is casting his net far and wide as he looks to rebuild his side following relegation from the Premier League.

As always, Vital will have all the transfer news as it happens, so stay tuned!

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