Exclusive: Blackpool make move to sign Leeds player after Bielsa green light

Blackpool have made a move to sign Leeds United defender Lewie Coyle in the January window, Football Insider has learned.

The defender, 24, is on loan to Fleetwood Town until the end of this month and his contract expires at Elland Road at the end of this campaign.

A Leeds source has told Football Insider that Blackpool have registered their interest in signing Coyle on a permanent deal.

The League One club are in the market for a proven defender and believe the United academy product fits the bill.

Marcelo Bielsa is willing to green light the exit of the versatile full-back, who does not fit into his plans for the second half of this season or beyond that.

Football Insider revealed last month that United are ready to permanently sell Coyle in January rather than let him leave for nothing at the end of the season.

Blackpool are chasing promotion to the Championship and are seventh in League One, two places and two points ahead of Fleetwood.

Coyle is on a half-season loan at Fleetwood after also spending the entirety of the two previous campaigns at the north-west outfit.

He is a key player in Joey Barton's side and has played the full 90 minutes of all 19 of their league matches this season.

Coyle has been in impressive form as goal creator, supplying his fifth assist of the campaign in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Rotherham.

In other Leeds United news, a big name has 'worn Leeds shirt for the last time' after massive transfer development.