IS Dean Saunders heading for Blackpool?

There are persistent rumours that the former Liverpool and Wales striker could be about to link up with former team-mate Steve McMahon.

The veteran goal-getter is known to be on the lookout for a new club, having been released by Bradford at the end of last season.

Rumours first cropped up a few weeks ago and have refused to go away, no doubt helped by the fact that top sources at the club have not dispelled them.

The general policy of the club is not to sign players over the age of 30, as boss McMahon is keen to keep his team young and hungry.

But it is believed that McMahon could be prepared to make an exception with Saunders.

The two were Liverpool team mates for a very brief period in 1991 prior to McMahon's move to Manchester City. If he were willing to drop down to the Second Division, Saunders's experience could prove vital to what remains a relatively young squad.

However, chairman Karl Oyston is saying little about Blackpool's transfer targets.

Meanwhile assistant boss Mark Seagraves was generally happy with the overall fitness of the players after the first week of pre-season training.

Some behind-closed-doors friendlies are planned to give the squad match practice, with the games likely to be split into three separate half-hours.

Blackpool's build-up to the big kick-off enters another stage next week with the first of three tour games in the West of Scotland.

Seagraves said: "We have been stepping up the exercises day by day.

"I suppose it's a case of so-far-so-good but we still have plenty of work left in order to reach our peak."

Club captain Ian Hughes has said that the mood in the camp is good ahead of the start of the new season and that the two new signings, Neil MacKenzie and John O'Kane, have settled in well.

Talking about pre-season training he said: "It's been hard work but everyone's enjoying it, and everyone is fit at the moment -- which is good news"