Scout Report: Zak Whitbread

Zak Whitbread started his career as a youngster at Liverpool and was highly regarded at the club, making appearances in Carling Cup games along with other Liverpool youngsters tipped to break into the first team.

The American centre half found it difficult to break into the first team at Anfield however, and a loan move to Millwall followed (whom ironically he'd made his Liverpool debut against).

A successful loan spell at the then Championship club became a permanent one in June 2006, but injury kept him out for an entire season.

Whitbread made his return to the Millwall first team in November 2007 and has been a regular ever since, notching up over 100 appearances for the London club.

After missing out on promotion back to The Championship last season following defeat to Scunthorpe in the playoff final, Whitbread rejected the offer of a new contract and was placed on the transfer list as a result.

It is believed that the League One side would be prepared to do business at around £1 million - the fee the Seasiders received for Shaun Barker.

The 25 year old fits into Ian Holloway's plans of bringing in younger players from the lower leagues that have potential - Whitbread was scouted by Everton last season.

As comfortable on the ball as he is strong in the tackle, Whitbread has Championship experience and would slot nicely into the Seasiders back line, as well as offering them the opportunity for profit in the future should he continue his development and make the step up back to the Premiership.

Whether or not he is a player on Holloway's radar, only time will tell.