Speakman insists there is 'clear plan' for Embleton after shock move

Kristjaan Speakman insists Sunderland have a ‘clear plan’ for Elliot Embleton’s progression after the attacking midfielder sealed a shock loan move to Blackpool.

Embleton’s contract was due to expire in the summer, but the Black Cats have extended his deal by a year before sending him to their League One rivals.

Sunderland’s Sporting Director says the 20-year-old will get more opportunities to impress at Blackpool.

“Elliot requires a little more opportunity than we can provide at this moment and it’s an important period for him following the time he missed through injury,” he said.

"We have a clear plan for his progression and felt that under Neil, Blackpool was a great chance for him to gain more experience at this level in a different environment.

"We’ve taken the option on his contract for next season and we are all aligned on what he needs to do in the period leading up to the summer. He’s really excited about the challenge and we look forward to supporting him from afar.”

The late move came as a surprise as Lee Johnson had said earlier in the window that the club would not entertain offers for the attacking midfielder.

The arrival of Jordan Jones as further increased competition in that area of the pitch, while Chris Maguire missed out on a place in the squad entirely on Saturday.

Blackpool head coach Neil Critchley said Embleton would ‘really add something’ this squad.

Critchley signed fellow Sunderland academy graduate Ethan Robson in the summer.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring Elliot to the Club,” Critchley said.

"He’s a player that I’ve been aware of for a number of years now, having watched him play for Sunderland’s U nder-18s, U nder-23s and first-team.

“Elliot has had good international experience with England at youth level and is capable of playing in various attacking positions. He’s someone who identifies with the way we want to play football and I believe he can really add something to the group.”

Embleton became the third Sunderland outgoing of deadline day, with Danny Graham leaving the club by mutual consent.

Will Grigg became the third when he joined MK Dons on loan for the rest of the season.