Michael Appleton confirms interest in Thomas Ince

Blackpool manager Michael Appleton has confirmed interest in young winger Thomas Ince.

The 20-year-old has been the subject of speculation recently, which has seen him linked with a move back to Liverpool, the club he departed for Bloomfield Road last year.

Appleton, who succeeded Ian Holloway last month, said that the club has been approached, but are yet to receive a formal offer.

"There have been no bids as far as I'm aware," Sky Sports News quotes Appleton as saying. "I think there have been conversations with a couple of clubs and the chairman, but nothing concrete.

"No-one has come in yet and set the marker in terms of a price."

He added: "If the worst did happen in January, and we did lose Tom, then we have to make sure we have replacements ready. They will have to fill some very big shoes."

Ince has scored 13 goals in the Championship this season.