Blackpool have opened talks with Leeds United about signing 20-year-old defender Oliver Casey on a permanent deal with the Whites open to letting him leave, according to Football Insider. 

The Leeds-born centre-back is a product of the Yorkshire club's academy system and was handed his debut by Marcelo Bielsa in the 2019/20 Championship campaign before featuring twice in cup competitions last term and regularly being named on the bench in the Premier League.

Last year, Casey signed a new deal keeping him at Elland Road until 2023 but it seems he could now be set to depart this summer.

Football Insider has reported that Leeds are in talks with Blackpool over selling the versatile young player to them ahead of their return to the Championship.

It is understood that the Whites are now open to letting Casey leave permanently, despite the opportunities given to him by Bielsa in recent years.

Tangerine's boss Neil Critchley is said to be a big admirer of the versatile defender, who can also play in holding midfield, from his time as a youth coach.

The Verdict

Given the trust that Bielsa's shown in Casey and the new contract he signed not long ago, this is something of a surprise.

It looks as though it could be a fantastic bit of business if Blackpool can get it over the line and perhaps an indication of what the approach in the summer the window is going to be.

Critchley's experience with Liverpool U23s seems to be something that the North West club are looking to take advantage of, which should excite fans ahead of the return to the Championship.