Charlton Athletic leading Port Vale & Mansfield in transfer chase for Blackpool defender Jordan Gabriel

Charlton Athletic are leading the race to sign Jordan Gabriel this summer following his exit from Blackpool.

According to Alan Nixon, the Addicks are hoping to secure a deal for the full-back in order to strengthen Nathan Jones’ side for next season.

Gabriel departed the Seasiders at the end of the campaign following the conclusion of his contract.

The 26-year-old spent four years with the Tangerines, and made 30 appearances in League One in Steve Bruce’s side last season, contributing three assists.

Charlton eye Jordan Gabriel deal amid plenty of League One interest

Charlton are reportedly leading the race to sign Gabriel this summer as they look at potential replacements for Thierry Small.

The London outfit expect Small to depart this summer, with his contract set to expire at The Valley, so have already lined up a move for the ex-Blackpool player as a consequence.

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A former Charlton Athletic academy player is attracting transfer interest from the Premier League.

It was exclusively revealed by FLW last week that Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, Port Vale and Northampton Town are all also interested in Gabriel.

However, it is understood that the Addicks are now ahead in the battle for his signature, with Jones looking to strengthen his squad for next year.

However, their summer business may also depend on what division they’ll be competing in next year ahead of this afternoon’s play-off final against Leyton Orient.

Gabriel signed for Blackpool on a permanent basis in the summer of 2021 following an initial loan spell.

He featured 92 times in the league across four campaigns with the club as a permanent player, as well as 27 appearances during his loan spell.

Despite starting the season in Steve Bruce’s first-choice 11, Gabriel dropped out of favour before the halfway stage of the campaign, with many of his outings post-November coming off the bench.

This has led to Gabriel departing the club this summer on a free, as he looks to make a fresh start in his career.

Jordan Gabriel addition would be good business for Charlton Athletic and Nathan Jones

Gabriel would be a solid addition at Charlton regardless of what division they’re playing in next season.

But it’s not clear whether he’d be enough to replace Small by himself if Addicks are in the Championship next year.

While he has gained good experience in the second tier, Jones may need to look to bolster the squad further in that position in order to maintain a competitive level in the Championship.

It is a positive sign that the club are already working on the next steps regardless, as that kind of squad planning can help with having a smooth summer transfer window.

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