Blackpool have confirmed that they have triggered a 12-month extension clause on the contract on Nottingham Forest target Josh Bowler.
The winger was originally due to be out of contract with the club at the end of the season after signing a one-year deal in the summer of 2021. That has however now been extended by a further year, allowing the club to either keep hold of the player or get a transfer fee this summer.
His performances have caught the eye this season with Forest making a move for the player back in January. Multiple bids were turned down by the Tangerines from both Forest and Championship rivals Bournemouth.
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Despite the interest, Bowler remained at Bloomfield Road, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in the Championship this season. Blackpool are said to be keen on offering the 23-year-old a longer term deal in order to secure his future at the club but they could be open to selling should a deal not be agreed with the player over the next couple of months.
Amid the end of the season released and retained lists in the Championship being published, Blackpool have confirmed that the 12-month clause in Bowler’s contract has been extended. It means that Forest would have to pay a much larger transfer fee to the club should they wish to make another move for the player this summer.
Speaking back in March, Blackpool chief executive Ben Mansford said that he expects interest in Bowler when the window opens. "He will attract interest and we have good dialogue with Josh and his representatives,” he said.
“We’ll have to keep everyone updated as to how things go. It’s a real credit to Josh how he’s handled himself after a lot of speculation in January. He deserves a lot of credit.”
