Liverpool transfers: Tom Ince affected by speculation, says Blackpool boss

Liverpool transfers: Blackpool manager Michael Appleton believes Thomas Ince is being affected by speculation over his future

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By TSR staff Tuesday 8 January 2013, 10:15 UK

Rodgers is reportedly keen to sign Ince from BlackpoolPhoto: Back Page Images

brendan rodgers

Michael Appleton believes Blackpool’s Thomas Ince is being affected by speculation linking the forward with a return to Liverpool in the January transfer window.

The Tangerines manager is hoping to keep hold of the 20-year-old, who has already been subjected to one bid from the Merseyside outfit this month.

Ince, who moved to Bloomfield Park from Liverpool in 2011, has been one of Blackpool’s key players this season after scoring an impressive 13 goals in 23 Championship appearances.

“He’s going through a little bit of an indifferent spell at the moment,” he said. “With all the speculation it is hard to get away from that. But he is coping really well.

“I know how difficult it can be sometimes when you’ve got the media constantly talking about the opportunity you might get elsewhere.

“Once it all settles down and the speculation fades away a little bit and he continues to play well for Blackpool I think his performances for Blackpool will pick up again.”

Appleton confirmed Blackpool have already rejected one unsatisfactory offer from Liverpool for their former youth graduate.

And the Blackpool boss is keen to keep Ince at the club, but the 37-year-old also revealed the Tangerines need to make “four or five” new signings during the transfer window.

“Liverpool made an offer two weeks ago to [chairman] Karl Oyston. We haven’t received anything since. It was pretty much a case of ‘that’s not enough, you’ll have to do better’,” he added.

“From my point of view I’d love to keep Tom but the biggest thing is whether I’m able to add to what we’ve got.

“We need reinforcements big time and I will only be happy if we bring four or five new faces in by the end of January. If we don’t, I’ll be disappointed.”