Blackpool plan second Birmingham raid to land midfield star

Blackpool are ready to make a second raid on Birmingham within the space of 48 hours as they bid to tie up a deal for Barry Ferguson.

Seasiders boss Ian Holloway snapped up striker Kevin Phillips on a free transfer over the weekend, and is now hoping to persuade former Rangers captain Ferguson to make the same move.

The Scot, who has a year left on his St Andrews contract, is available for a nominal fee and Holloway is keen to recruit him as a midfield replacement for former captain Charlie Adam, who joined Liverpool last week.

But Blackpool face competition from Newcastle and Sunderland, with the two north-east giants also keen on the 33-year-old.