Adams and Barker deals hang in the balance

Last updated : 08 July 2009 By The Seasider
Charlie Adam
Charlie Adam
Following on from the recent whistle stop trip to Latvia by both club chairman Karl Oyston and new manager Ian Holloway to visit club President Valerie Belokon. Among the issues discussed were funds required to sign the likes of transfer targets like Rangers' Charlie Adam. Holloway does feel he'll receive the necessary backing. "I'm not saying how much I want or don't want," he said.

"But the fact is that if I push them for a player who I believe will benefit Blackpool - off the field, in his mannerisms, in what he does, but particularly on the field - then I believe I will be able to get that player signed."

Although the club have not confirmed any signing - speculation on most news sites both North and South of the border are carrying the news that Walter Smith who is known to want to trim the Rangers squad has accepted an improved offer of £500,000 for the 23 year-old midfielder.

Ian Holloway and Blackpool have so far fought off other interested parties including Simon Davey of Barnsley who is believed to have had two bids of £250,000 and £400,000 rejected by Rangers.

Adam who has three years left on his original contract impressed in a loan spell when Tony Parkes was in charge during the second-half of the season. He was recently reported to be happy to stay and fight for his place.

"I realise I'm approaching a major crossroads in my career. It's obvious I'll have some serious thinking to do shortly.

"My first priority is to try and resurrect my career with Rangers. At the same time, I have to be realistic.

"If it's obvious I'm going to struggle for a starting place at Ibrox, then I really will have to seriously consider my options." but with Rangers reportedly having accepted an improved bid by the Seasiders Adams will be expected to return to Bloomfield Road to agree terms for what would be a new record signing for Blackpool.

The possible arrival of the Rangers midfielder would be a huge hit with Tangerine fans in which many would consider this to be the best 'Wow' signing since Tony Ellis. His popularity was confirmed when his powerful midfield performance at Deepdale last season was rounded off with a splendid strike to give the Seasiders an unlikely three-points against play-off bound Preston NE.

Latest: Holloway confirmed this evening on the official site that Rangers had indeed accepted a bid for Adams but on speaking to his agent he was told Charlie is due to return to pre-season training on Wednesday and is hoping to speak with Walter Smith. The player is clearly still seeking a chance at Rangers but would return to Bloomfield Road on Thursday for talks.

Shaun Barker
Shaun Barker
Meanwhile Blackpool defender Shaun Barker is caught in the middle of a race to sign the 26 year old with both Nottingham Forest and Derby County having bids rejected by the Seasiders. Barker is known to be Forest fan but as club captain he has already stated that he is settled at Bloomfield Road and will be more than ready to lead out the Tangerines once again next season.

Barker who played at both right-back and centre-half last season won plaudits from both the fans and club after admitting a mid-season slump in form before his subsequent performances caught the eye of several clubs.

Part of the League Two Championship play-off winning side Barker is also extremely popular in the dressing room and after the initial bids were rejected its clear the Seasiders value him highly especially as they reportedly will also have a 20% sell on clause from Rotherham to pay for.

Despite the speculation Ian Holloway who would be reluctant to lose his captain has publically hailed Barkers professional attitude in training where he continues to demonstrate his commitment to the club.

Blackpool are reported to have turned down an initial bid of £400,000 and are believed to value Barker at somewhere between £750,000 and £1m for a player with one year left on his contract at Bloomfield Road.

Blackpool have already secured the services of Ipswich's Billy Clarke who remains at present the only player Holloway has brought to Bloomfield Road since landing the job on May 21.