Sky Bet League One side Blackpool are set to rival Hull City in the race to sign former Peterborough United defender Ryan Tafazolli, according to reputable journalist Alan Nixon.

The 27-year-old made over 130 appearances for Posh during a three-year stay at London Road, but was let go by the League One side upon the expiry of his contract last season.

The towering centre-half has since been training with Championship side Hull City over in Marbella, with Tafazolli's former manager Grant McCann running the rule over the defender.

But it looks as if Hull may have rivals in the race to land Tafazolli, with League One side Blackpool now believed to be holding an interest in the left-sided centre-back.

New Tangerines boss Simon Grayson is yet to make a signing since taking charge at Bloomfield Road, but the club have already made five new signings this summer as they prepare to ignite a push for promotion next term.

One of those signings has been Ryan Edwards from Plymouth Argyle, but with defender Curtis Tilt attracting interest from Rotherham, a new centre-half could be on Grayson's radar.

The Verdict

It would be a real coup for Blackpool if they sign Tafazolli this summer, given the fact that he is training with Hull and former boss McCann.

Tafazolli has established himself as one of the best defenders in League One over the last couple of years - left-sided centre-backs are hard to come by nowadays, but he is one of the best out there in the lower leagues.

Grayson will be looking to turn Blackpool's fortunes around after some dismal years of late, and the signing of Tafazolli would be a big statement of intent.