Blackpool are keen on extending the loan of Sheffield United centre-back Ben Heneghan until the end of the season.

Heneghan joined the Tangerines on-loan in the summer and has since been very impressive in his second stint at Bloomfield Road. Under Simon Grayson this season, Heneghan has found regular first-team football that has been very hard to come by at Sheffield United under Chris Wilder.

In the league this season, Blackpool have mounted a push for the play-offs as the chase for the top six remains as tight as ever, and Heneghan has been a key part of that defence. Their form has dipped in recent weeks with Blackpool failing to register a win in their last five games, seeing them slump to 13th. However, they are only four points off the top six and the January window could give Blackpool a great chance at moving back up the table.

It was reported earlier in the window that Blackpool faced competition from Championship clubs over his signature in the summer, but now Blackpool Gazette writer Matt Scrafton has revealed that Simon Grayson is stepping up his efforts to ensure that Heneghan remains on the Fylde Coast for the duration of the season, by extending his loan until May.

The Tangerines face Reading in an FA Cup replay tomorrow and Heneghan is due to be available for that clash at home.

The Verdict

This would be the smartest move for Heneghan to continue his momentum at a club that have shown great faith in him since he joined last season. 

Simon Grayson’s side would definitely be boosted by this if his stay is extended, having confirmed the return of Marc Bola last week on-loan.

It’s a smart move all-round for the player too who can continue to play regularly in League One, rather than risking a move to the Championship and face a battle for regular playing time.