Sources: Blackpool open talks to sign Leeds rising star Casey
Blackpool have opened talks with Leeds United about signing Oliver Casey, Football Insider can exclusively reveal.
The newly-promoted north-west club have made a move for the versatile 20-year-old ahead of next season’s Championship campaign.
A Leeds source has told Football Insider that negotiations are underway for Casey to join the second-tier outfit on a permanent deal.
United are willing to let their academy product go even though he signed a new three-year contract last summer.
That will be regarded as a surprise in some quarters, given how Leeds have had high hopes for the youngster.
Casey was linked with a loan move to an EFL club in the January window but that did not materialise in the end.
Blackpool secured promotion with victory in the League One play-off final against Lincoln City two weekends ago.
Manager Neil Critchley, who had replaced ex-Leeds boss Simon Grayson at the helm, had previously been the Liverpool Under-23s manager and has been a big admirer of Casey from working in youth development.
The young centre-back can also operate in central midfield and has demonstrated that versatility while climbing the ranks at Elland Road.
His performances for the Leeds Under-23s two seasons ago caught the eye of Marcelo Bielsa, who handed him his senior debut from the bench against Huddersfield Town in December 2019.
Casey made two further first-team appearances last season, both of which came in domestic cup competitions.
He has not played for Leeds in the Premier League but was named on the sub’s bench nine times last season.
In other news, Romain Perraud has agreed personal terms after surprise Leeds United twist.