Exclusive: Mansfield Town set to beat Barnsley in race for Blackpool ace Jordan Rhodes | OneFootball

Football League World can exclusively reveal that Mansfield Town are set to win the race for Blackpool striker Jordan Rhodes

Mansfield Town are set to win the race to sign Blackpool forward Jordan Rhodes, Football League World can exclusively reveal.

The 34-year-old has been handed just three starts in League One this term by Tangerines boss Steve Bruce, but notched an impressive return of 15 goals in 29 third tier outings for the Lancashire side just last season.

His lack of game time at Bloomfield Road this campaign has opened the door for potential suitors to land his services on loan this month, while FLW previously revealed that Mansfield's League One rivals Cambridge United had launched an enquiry for his services.

Meanwhile, Alan Nixon reported on Sunday that Barnsley were rivaling such interest in Rhodes' services, and according to The Sun, third tier strugglers Burton Albion are also eyeing a move for the Scotland international.

However, FLW can now reveal that the Stags are set to win the race for the Blackpool man, and will hope that his efforts can help fire them back up the League One table following a poor run of form.

Mansfield set to win the race for Rhodes

After winning promotion from League Two last season, Nigel Clough's men established themselves as surprise League One play-off candidates early on in the campaign.

However, the Stags have endured a run of four consecutive defeats in the third tier, and now sit 14th in the table, seven points adrift of the top-six.

But the services of Rhodes could help Clough and co reignite their play-off challenge, as the 34-year-old proved just last season that he is still capable of producing the goods at League One level.

In addition to his time with the Tangerines, the Scotland international has established a reputation as a seasoned EFL goalscorer, courtesy of prolific spells with both Blackburn Rovers and Huddersfield Town.

Rhodes would add yet more firepower to Mansfield's ranks

While the Stags have suffered four defeats on the bounce in League One, including Saturday afternoon's loss to relegation-threatened Shrewsbury Town, they still boast attacking talent which third tier opponents will be fearful of facing.

Clough's current strike partnership of Will Evans and Lee Gregory have scored a combined total of 21 goals in League One so far this season, and the presence of Rhodes would only bolster such dangerous ranks.