Blackpool line up loan deals for Manchester United duo

Blackpool are set to ask Manchester United if they can take youngsters Daniel Drinkwater and Oliver Norwood on loan.

The midfielders have not travelled on United's pre-season tour to America and have remained back in England, where they have been watched in action by Blackpool assistant Steve Thompson.

United reserves faced Fleetwood recently and Drinkwater scored in the 2-0 win, with Thompson said to be impressed by the 21-year-old's impact.

Norwood, 20, is capped by Northern Ireland and is a free-kick specialist, with Blackpool manager Ian Holloway thought to be keen on him as well.

And, having sent Thompson along to watch the United starlets in action, Holloway is ready to press ahead with a loan bid for the pair.

Sir Alex Ferguson rates the rookies highly, particularly Norwood, but wants them to gain more first team experience.