Burnley, who recently lost out in their attempts to sign former loan midfielder, Jack Cork may now have switched their attention to 30 year old Blackpool midfielder, Keith Southern.
Southern was widely expected to join Leeds United at the end of last season but no deal appears to have materialised.
His contract expired in April so in theory he could have been available on a Bosman but it is understood that Blackpool took out an option on the player in May with the player now contracted until 2012
It was also reported back in early May that Leeds would pay the fee to take him. Obviously they haven’t so far and Southern remains at Bloomfield Road.
Southern was close to joining Simon Grayson`s outfit earlier in last season’s campaign after growing restless at his lack of action for the Seasiders.
With Blackpool’s relegation though and their recent loss of midfielder, Charlie Adam and their failure to sign Jack Cork, Southern may now think his chances of playing for Blackpool have been enhanced.
Gateshead-born, he started his career with Everton and was made captain of their Reserves team but never made his debut for the first team.
Blackpool gaffer at the time, Steve McMahon signed Southern initially on a one-month loan at the start of the 2002-3 season. The loan was extended to three-months and in November 2002 Southern made the move permanent signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Seasiders for an undisclosed fee.Futher contract renewals followed his last one being signed in April 2009 lasting two years.
I suspect this rumour is nothing but that with Southern currently out in Portugal enjoying himself with his team mates on their pre-season tour. He seems to be making positive noises about staying at Blackpool and could also be tempted by the offer of a testimonial. He is now their longest serving player with over 300 games for the Seasiders.
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