Shrewsbury Town consider moves for duo
Shrewsbury Town are considering moves for Blackpool's Tom Aldred and Rochdale stopper Oliver Lancashire.
Town are eyeing up at least two centre-backs, as boss Micky Mellon looks to revamp a back line that conceded 91 goals in all competitions during the season just completed.
It's understood 25-year-old Aldred, who was by far Blackpool's best player as they were relegated to League Two, could cost a fee of up to six figures and is being targeted by several clubs.
The Tangerines, who sacked manager Neil McDonald last night, have activated a 12-month contract extension in Aldred's deal, while making him available.
Aldred has met with owner Karl Oyston and it's believed he will be allowed to leave if the asking price is met.
Town have 17 players out of contract including three centre-halves – Nathaniel Knight-Percival, Zak Whitbread and Jermaine Grandison – and are expected to release their retained list by the end of the week.
Mellon confirmed he has seen several transfer targets this week, saying: "I'm out meeting players. I've met a few in the last couple of days, so it's very busy.
"It's more on the road and on the phone than in Shrewsbury. We've got a number of targets who we believe will make the group stronger.
"We're excited if we can get them over the line – I'm sure the fans will be."
Blackpool paid around £90,000 for Aldred when they signed him from Accrington Stanley in January 2015.
The Bolton-born former Scotland Under-19 international has since suffered two relegations, having played six times in the second tier in 2014-15.
But he has impressed with his no-nonsense style and ability to win the ball in the air and on the ground.
Aldred started his career at Carlisle before switching to Watford, Colchester and Accrington, where he made 84 league appearances from 2013-15.
Basingstoke-born Lancashire has played more League One football than Aldred, with 93 League appearances for Dale since joining them from Aldershot Town almost three years ago.
Now 27, Lancashire started his career with Southampton where he made 13 League appearances and 25 on loan at Grimsby, before 49 in two seasons at Walsall.
Mellon plans to get most of his summer rebuild done before the players report back for pre-season training.
He said: "We're looking to get as many as we can, if not all, in before pre-season. I'm pretty sure we'll have the majority by then."
