Blackpool forward Jerry Yates has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for two clubs in the Premier League and Rangers.
Yates found himself representing a wide range of clubs during the early stages of his career, the Rotherham United youngster not making a notable impression until a loan spell with Swindon Town during 2019-20.
However, Yates, who is now 25 years of age, has established himself as one of the most improved forwards in the Championship at Blackpool.
After initially scoring 20 goals during their League One promotion campaign, Yates has since contributed 16 goals and five assists from 55 outings in the second tier.
Ten of those goal contributions have come during 2022-23, including a double and an assist during the 4-2 triumph over rivals Preston North End at the weekend.
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With Yates's contract due to expire in 2024, Blackpool will be aware that they need to offer their star man fresh terms or brace themselves for offers for his signature.
According to The Sun, those bids may start to arrive in January with Brentford, Bournemouth and Rangers all said to be monitoring the situation.
The report says that Premier League duo Brentford and Bournemouth have already had scouts assess the qualities of the attacker this season.
While West Bromwich Albion and Watford are also named as admirers of Yates, they will only be viewed as outsiders if there is interest from the top flight or North of the border.
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The Bees and Cherries are no strangers to casting their eyes to the EFL with Brentford signing Hull City star Keane Lewis-Potter for £16m earlier this year.
During what materialised into a frustrating period in the transfer market, Bournemouth also spent big money to secure the services of Middlesbrough midfielder Marcus Tavernier.
Meanwhile, with the prospect of missing out on European football after Christmas, Rangers may have to consider value-for-money options if they wish to strengthen their squad.
The report adds that Yates is currently valued in the £5m bracket, something which may change if his contract is extended or run down.
Darren Plant
