John Coleman on Colby Bishop transfer amid Blackpool links as Portsmouth boss talks failed bid

Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman has confirmed Colby Bishop is speaking with another club over a transfer this summer amid strong links he is bound for Blackpool.

The 25-year-old striker had looked like he was set to seal a move to fellow League One side Portsmouth on Monday. However, reports of the Seasiders' interest have since emerged and Michael Appleton now looks set to bring in Bishop.

Blackpool can offer the forward Championship football and would pip Pompey and MK Dons to the player's signature, with Ipswich Town and Peterborough United linked in the past. It's claimed that a bid of £500,000 will bring Bishop to Bloomfield Road, where he would provide striking competiton for Gary Madine, Shayne Lavery, Jake Beesley and others.

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According to reports, Bishop had his medical with the Seasiders on Tuesday afternoon. Bishop was not part of Stanley's matchday squad last night in their goalless pre-season friendly draw at the Wham Stadium against Wigan Athletic.

Bishop's contract at Stanley ran until next summer and his former club Leamington, whom the striker arrived at Accrington from in the summer of 2019, are poised to receive some of the fee the League One side will receive for the player. Speaking last night, Accrington boss Coleman had nothing but good things to say for Bishop and was pleased Stanley and Leamington will both be rewarded.

Coleman said: "Everyone knows my admiration for Colby. A great lad as well and a great man. He's been brilliant for this club.

"He won't walk away for nothing so we'll get a few bob. Leamington will get rewarded."

Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley has also spoken of his side's