Blackpool sign centre-back Dan Sassi from Burnley

Blackpool have announced the arrival of central defender Dan Sassi from Premier League side Burnley.

The 20-year-old failed to make the breakthrough into the first team at Burnley despite being captain for the Under-21s in Premier League 2.

There has been speculation surrounding Sassi's future throughout the January window, with a number of clubs believed to have expressed an interest in his signature.

However, it has now been announced that Blackpool have signed the defender, with a contract being penned until the end of the 2025-26 campaign, and there is also an option for an additional 12 months.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge and meeting everyone here at Blackpool," Sassi told the League One outfit's official website upon the completion of the deal.

Pen to paper. 🖊️

🍊 #UTMP pic.twitter.com/DTPBvQRQ56

— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) February 1, 2024

"I'm a defender who is good in the air and on the ball and will give everything for the club. I've learned a lot over recent years, and now I'm ready to make that next step up. I can't wait to get going here."

Meanwhile, head coach Neil Critchley said: "Dan is someone we have identified who has the right attributes and potential to be a future player at the football club.

"Similar to when we signed Oliver Casey from Leeds, Dan is someone who we feel can go on a similar journey and who has a bright future ahead of him.

"We want to be a club that gives young players the opportunity to develop and improve and we look forward to welcoming him to Blackpool."

Welcome to Blackpool Football Club, Dan Sassi.

The defender joins for an undisclosed fee from from Premier League side Burnley.

🍊 #UTMP | #DeadlineDay | @LinksSigns

— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) February 1, 2024

Blackpool were relegated from the Championship last season, finishing down in 23rd position in the table, but they are bidding to secure an immediate return to the second tier.

The Seasiders are currently eighth in the League One table, four points from sixth-placed Oxford United in the battle to secure a playoff position.

Sassi could potentially make his debut for Blackpool in Saturday's league contest with Stevenage.

Burnley, meanwhile, also announced on transfer deadline day that central defender Maxime Esteve had joined the club on loan from Montpellier HSC for the second half of the campaign.