Fulham are preparing to test Blackpool’s resolve to hold on to winger Josh Bowler by submitting a bid before the end of the January transfer window, according to reports this morning.

The two sides meet at Craven Cottage this afternoon and Blackpool boss has previously dismissed speculation linking Bowler with a move away from Bloomfield Road. The 22 year-old has attracted significant interest after starring for the Seasiders on their return to the Championship – and Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Fulham are particularly keen to sign the lively winger.

Bowler, who had a spell in the Fulham academy as a youngster, has scored against Fulham twice in recent seasons. He scored at Craven Cottage whilst on loan at Hull two seasons ago and grabbed the winner as Blackpool inflicted Marco Silva’s first defeat in charge of the Whites back in September. The Chertsey-born wide man has scored two goals and added three assists in thirty appearances for Critchley’s side so far this term.

Bowler, a member of the Everton under 23 side that won the Premier League 2 title in 2019, has six months to run on his current contract at Bloomfield Road but Blackpool are certain to trigger the one-year option on the deal their in-form winger signed last June.