BLACKPOOL head coach Neil Critchley has addressed rumours linking Oxford United with a move for right back Jordan Gabriel.

United have been linked with 25-year-old Gabriel during this summer’s transfer window, with Critchley seemingly suggesting the U’s have asked about the defender.

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Critchley told the Blackpool Gazette: “Clubs are perfectly within their rights to enquire about our players because we enquire about other clubs’ players. If clubs weren’t enquiring, then I’d be worried.

“Jordan is with us and he’s training. We know how he feels about Blackpool and his time at the football club.

“Last year he didn’t return to playing until November, he was out for a good six months with the injury he had, so we’re hopeful he can have a clean bill of health in pre-season. This is a really important time for him.

“If we can build up his fitness and his rhythm, then there’s no reason he can’t have a really good season.”

Gabriel began his professional career at Nottingham Forest, enjoying loan spells with Scunthorpe United and Blackpool.

He joined the Seasiders on a permanent basis in August 2021, and in total, has made 105 appearances for the Lancashire side, scoring five goals.