Manager makes transfer admission amid Nottingham Forest interest

Blackpool manager Neil Critchley is expecting speculation surrounding Josh Bowler to intensify amid Nottingham Forest's interest in the winger.

Bowler continued his stunning form as Blackpool defeated Reading 4-1 in the Championship on Saturday, scoring his fifth goal in seven games.

The Seasiders managed to hang on to the former Everton wide man last month, fending off interest from Forest and Bournemouth.

Since then, Premier League clubs, including Leicester City, Wolves, Brentford and Norwich City, have been linked with the 22-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the season, although Blackpool reportedly have an option to extend his deal at Bloomfield Road.

It would be a surprise if that option isn't taken up given his stellar form this season.

At the weekend, Critchley was asked if he expected Bowler to attract more interest between now and the end of the season.

“Yes, probably,” he told the Blackpool Gazette. “Wingers who score goals and get assists and do the things Josh can do will attract attention.

“I don’t see any other wingers in the Championship doing what Josh can do, so he’s a prized asset for us.

“If there are people watching him, then great because he’s doing something right.”

Critchley added: “He’s in a rich vein of form, so wingers who score and assist are worth their weight in gold.

“He’s full of confidence and I believe he’s at an age where he will still get better.

“He will become calmer in his decision-making as he gets older and he will settle down in front of goal.

“His goals will give him confidence and he will trust himself a little bit more, so I’m absolutely delighted for him.”