Blackpool are interested in a move for Sheffield United midfielder Mark Duffy, The Sun journalist Alan Nixon has reported.

Duffy joined Championship side Stoke City on a season-long loan during the summer transfer window, but has so far struggled to make an impact for the Potters, having made just six league appearances so far this season.

That appears to have given a number of other clubs some hope that they could be capable of tempting the Blades to cut short the 34-year-old's spell at the Bet365 Stadium in favour of a move elsewhere, with Nixon's latest update naming Blackpool as an interested party.

Duffy joined Sheffield United in the summer of 2016 following his release by Birmingham City, helping them win promotion from League One to the Premier League during his three years with the club prior to his move to Stoke this summer.

The midfielder's contract with the Blades is set to expire at the end of this season, meaning he could leave the club for free at that point, if no deal has been agreed before then one way or another.

It has been a difficult season so far for Stoke, who are 21st in the Championship standings, one point clear of the relegation zone.

Blackpool meanwhile are 11th in League One as things stand, two points short of the play-offs.

The Verdict

I think this could be a good move for all parties.

Duffy hasn't really made an impact for Stoke this season, so it could suit them to cut his loan short to make space in the squad for new recruits who could help them pull away from the relegation zone.

Blackpool meanwhile could benefit from that League One promotion-winning experience of Duffy, who may be keen on the move in search of more regular first-team opportunities, some he looks unlikely to get both at his current loan side, and his parent club.