Jordan Thompson is a man in demand with a number of English Championship clubs chasing the Northern Ireland midfielder's signature ahead of the January transfer window.
Stoke City, managed by Michael O’Neill who gave the 22-year-old his international debut 18 months ago, currently head up the hunt for the talented Blackpool midfielder.
But several other second tier clubs are also preparing a move for Thompson who has the option of another year on his contract which expires in the summer.
It was reported earlier this month that Stoke, who lie just outside the relegation zone in the Championship, had already made contact with Blackpool over a potential move.
But it is understood O’Neill, who was appointed to the Potters post seven weeks ago, has to trim his squad to make room for new arrivals.
And that may open the door for a number of other Championship clubs to make a move for the former Rangers playmaker who turns 23 on January 3.
Thompson has impressed at Blackpool since joining the club in June 2018 after departing Rangers following a successful loan spell with Livingston in the Scottish Championship.
The ball playing central midfielder recently told Belfast Live he was enjoying life and flourishing as a player with the League One club.
Speaking back in September, he said: “Since I joined Blackpool, I really feel my game has kicked on. League One is a good league and getting games under my belt always helps.
“When Blackpool came in for me I rang people in the Northern Ireland set-up, including (U21s coach) Ian Baraclough and they all said good things about the club.
“I’m playing regularly and the move has helped me get into the Northern Ireland set-up, so it has worked out well so far.”
Thompson, who made his national debut against Panama on the Central American tour in May 2018, made his first start for Northern Ireland in a 1-0 friendly win over Luxembourg in September.
He then saw high profile competitive action in Northern Ireland’s final three Euro 2020 qualifiers against Germany and the Dutch.
The former Manchester United youngster, who came through the Old Trafford ranks with Marcus Rashford, was a substitute in a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands in Rotterdam.
He also came off the bench in last month’s 0-0 draw with the Dutch at Windsor Park and started against the Germans in a 6-1 defeat in Frankfurt.
It is no surprise that Thompson's composed performances for club and country in recent months have brought him to the attention of clubs further up the English football pyramid.
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