At least five Championship clubs are pushing to sign Daniel Ballard on loan next season, including Blackpool, as well as interest from abroad.

Daniel Ballard of Blackpool during the Sky Bet League 1 Play-Off Semi-Final 1st leg between Oxford United and Blackpool at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford. Copyright: Martyn Haworth
Daniel Ballard of Blackpool during the Sky Bet League 1 Play-Off Semi-Final 1st leg between Oxford United and Blackpool at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford. Copyright: Martyn Haworth

Charles Watts reports that interest is heating up in Daniel Ballard, with Blackpool keen to bring him back following their promotion to the Championship, but at least four other Championship clubs in the running.

Watts adds that there’s also interest from abroad, but Ballard appears more likely to stay in England. A decision is expected soon.

This follows similar claims from Football.London last week. They reported Ballard was in talks with several established Championship sides, including Blackpool.

It’s certainly interesting to hear that even foreign clubs are starting to take notice of Ballard’s progress. His recent experience with Northern Ireland as a senior international may well have helped in that regard.

As we pointed out in our previous coverage of the Ballard loan reports, his career is certainly heading in the right direction with each passing year.

Back in 2017/18, he was an u18 footballer. Then he made the u23s the next year, then a loan to League Two, followed by League One (and a Northern Ireland call-up), and now seemingly the Championship.

Nothing has phased him so far, including playing at Wembley in Blackpool’s key promotion play-off final, or facing Erling Haaland on international duty. If he can prove himself in the Championship or a top foreign league next, the Premier League could follow.