Chase to hot up as Blackpool midfielder decides to leave
Published:Sunderland and West Brom are leading the battle for David Vaughan after the midfielder rejected Blackpool’s offer of a new contract in the hope of securing Premier League football next season.
Vaughan had a fine season at Blackpool last season and his solid performances were almost enough to help the Tangerines avoid relegation from the Premier League.
This was not to prove the case, but the quality of the performances of the Welshman did not go unnoticed as he was named the club’s player of the season by the Blackpool squad.
A number of other Premier League clubs were also impressed and the hope of playing in the top flight again has led to Vaughan opting to leave Bloomfield Road on a free transfer after three seasons.
Vaughan told the official Blackpool website: “It was a very good offer and it was a tough decision, but I just want to stay in the Premier League and test myself at the highest level.
“The last couple of years have been brilliant and I leave with nothing but good memories.”
West Brom have reportedly already held preliminary talks with Vaughan about a possible deal and will almost certainly be able to offer a higher wage than Blackpool.
Meanwhile, Sunderland have been linked with around ten players in recent days, with the list also including Manchester United trio John O’Shea, Wes Brown and Darron Gibson, alongside Birmingham’s Seb Larsson.
The signing of Vaughan could be a major boost for both clubs as they look to avoid relegation in the Premier League again next season.
West Brom are currently 5/2 in the Premier League odds to be relegated next season, with Sunderland available at the slightly longer price at 6/1.
In contrast, Sunderland can be backed at 1/12 to stay up, while West Brom are 2/7 in the market to beat the drop.
