Charlton Athletic handed major Rob Apter boost as Blackpool manager Steve Bruce makes honest transfer claim | OneFootball

Blackpool boss Steve Bruce has confirmed Charlton Athletic are looking to sign talented winger Rob Apter.

Blackpool boss Steve Bruce has confirmed the club have had talks with Charlton over winger Rob Apter, as he admitted there is a possibility he could be sold this summer.

The 22-year-old joined the Seasiders from Tranmere as a 15-year-old, but he has had to be patient before getting first-team minutes, with the majority of his career having been spent on loan in non-league, as well as a season back at Prenton Park in 2023-24.

However, Scotland youth international Apter enjoyed a real breakthrough at Bloomfield Road last season, featuring in 45 League One games, scoring eight goals, and impressing with his all-round game.

Steve Bruce provides Rob Apter transfer update amid Charlton Athletic interest

That form, combined with Apter’s age and room for development, has unsurprisingly put him on the radar of other clubs, with reports claiming that Charlton were looking to take the attacking midfielder/winger to the Championship after their promotion.

And, speaking to the Blackpool Gazette, Bruce stated that discussions have taken place, as he acknowledged it will be difficult to stand in the way of Apter if a suitable offer arrives.

“We’ve had conversations with Charlton, but where it’s at, I really don’t know - that’s for others to talk about," Bruce said.

"We don’t want to sell Rob, but we all know in football that everyone has their price. Whether there are any more developments, I’m not too sure.

“He’s a dying breed. He’s one of those that can go past people and make something happen. None of us want him to go, but it’s football. It’s obviously a difficult situation, for Rob he could get to the Championship.

“As a manager, you don’t want these lads to go, but everyone’s got their price, and if it gets to a level where we think it’s good money for us, then we’ll have a look at it and see where it takes us.

"We’re always planning. You never want to sell your best players, but when the bigger boys come with a financial package, then it becomes a difficult situation.”

Charlton Athletic must do all they can to finalise Rob Apter transfer swoop

Firstly, you have to appreciate the honesty from Bruce here, as managers often refuse to talk about transfers, but he has at least given Blackpool fans a decent update, and, like all clubs in League One, they know it’s hard to retain players if genuine interest emerges from clubs higher in the league.

Clearly, Apter is a talented player, and, as Bruce says, he has qualities that make him a throwback, as he always wants to beat his man, and he can make things happen in the final third.

Of course, there are areas of his game that he needs to improve, but that will come with age, and it’s noticeable that he has handled challenges very well in recent years, from his productive loan spell at Tranmere before returning to Blackpool to force his way into the XI on a consistent basis.

The natural next step in his career is the Championship, and Charlton are a club who will have to take a chance on younger players in the EFL as they don’t have the resources of many rivals in the second tier.

Nathan Jones managed to unearth plenty of gems during his time at Luton, and this could be another example of that if the Addicks can finalise a move for Apter over the coming weeks.

With Apter naturally being a right-winger who cuts inside onto his left foot, he would be the natural successor to Thierry Small, who turned down a new deal to sign for Preston North End - the south London club will need to splash the cash though if they're going to complete a deal for the 22-year-old.