Charlton Athletic handed major Rob Apter boost as Blackpool manager Steve Bruce makes honest transfer claim.

Blackpool manager Steve Bruce has stated that the club has held conversations with Charlton over winger Rob Apter, admitting that he could be sold this summer.

The 22-year-old joined the Seasiders from Tranmere as a 15-year-old, but he has had to wait for first-team minutes, with the majority of his career spent on loan in non-league, as well as a season back at Prenton Park in 2023-24.

However, Scotland youth international Apter had a significant impact at Bloomfield Road last season, appearing in 45 League One games, scoring eight goals, and impressing with his all-round game.

Steve Bruce provides Rob Apter transfer update amid Charlton Athletic interest

That form, combined with Apter’s age and potential for improvement, has put him on the radar of other clubs, with Charlton reportedly interested in bringing the attacking midfielder/winger to the Championship following their promotion.

And, speaking to the Blackpool Gazette, Bruce indicated that negotiations had taken place, acknowledging that it will be tough to stop Apter if a reasonable offer is made.

“We’ve had conversations with Charlton, but where it’s at, I really don’t know – that’s for others to talk about,” says Bruce. “We don’t want to sell Rob, but in football, everyone has a price.

I’m not sure if there are any further developments. “He is a fading breed. He’s one of those persons who can push through obstacles and achieve success.

None of us want him to leave, but it’s football. It’s definitely a challenging scenario, but Rob could make it to the Championship.

“As a manager, you don’t want these guys to leave, but everyone has a price, and if it gets to a point where we think it’s good money for us, we’ll look into it and see where it takes us.”

“We are always planning. You never want to sell your finest players, but when the big boys offer a cash package, it becomes impossible.”

Charlton Athletic must do all they can to finalise Rob Apter transfer swoop

First and foremost, you have to admire Bruce’s candour here, as managers frequently refuse to discuss transfers, but he has at least provided Blackpool fans with a decent update, and, like all clubs in League One, they understand how difficult it is to retain players when genuine interest emerges from clubs higher up the league.

Apter is clearly a skilled player, and, as Bruce points out, he possesses attributes that make him a throwback, such as a desire to defeat his man and the ability to create in the final third.

Of course, there are aspects of his game that he has to develop, but that will come with age, and it’s clear that he has handled adversity admirably in recent years, from his excellent loan period at Tranmere to his return to Blackpool to fight his way into the starting lineup on a continuous basis.

The Championship is the inevitable next step in his career, and Charlton will have to take a chance on younger players in the EFL since they lack the resources of many of their second-tier competitors.

Nathan Jones uncovered several gems during his time at Luton, and this might be another if the Addicks can finalise a deal for Apter in the coming weeks.

Apter, a natural right-winger who cuts inside onto his left foot, would be the ideal replacement for Thierry Small, who turned down a new contract to join Preston North End; nevertheless, the south London club will have to splash the cash if they are to finalise a move for the 22-year-old.

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