It may be easier to rattle off the clubs that haven't supposedly taken up an interest in Tom Ince since the young winger handed in a transfer at Blackpool than those that have. The 21-year old has been tipped with a return to Liverpool, where he spent his formative footballing years, the glitz and glamour of Monaco, the high life of Stoke… and everywhere in between it seems.
A key player under Paul Ince for the Seasiders, his father’s dismissal was always likely to lead to one thing. In truth, however, Ince's departure was inevitable and had been coming for some time. He's available on a free transfer at the end of the season, and the scrap for his permanent signing could be interesting to watch develop.
So just how good is Tom Ince, and what will potential suitors be getting should they make a move?
He's not exactly been exhibiting his best form of late and after a barnstorming start to the Championship campaign, scoring in 6 of his opening 10 league games, Ince has netted just once in 13 since. It's little coincidence that such a pattern is reflected in Blackpool's results thus far, with the Tangerines losing just 1 of the first 14 matches of the season before going on to win just 1 of the following 14.
Ince shone to pick up an average rating of 7.48 over his first 5 appearances, picking up 4 goals and 2 assists in that time. His stock was on the rise and some felt that his performances dipped a little as the hype surrounding him developed, despite his manager and mentor always being keen to keep his son's feet firmly on the ground.
It can't be an easy profession when your harshest critic is your manager, but Ince is the sort of player that a side of Blackpool's stature could never afford to drop, such is his ability to turn a game on its head on his day. Five of his 7 league goals this season have come in matches that have been separated by a single goal or less and Blackpool have only lost 3 of the 12 matches in which Ince has either scored or picked up an assist.
His influence on the side, when on form, is clear. Indeed, in the 11 matches that Ince has played but not contributed directly to a goal Blackpool have won just once and lost the last 7. Ince's inconsistency at times is perhaps one of the flaws that potential buyers will be wary of and it has mirrored that of his side this season.
Nevertheless, having a hand in 13 goals for a side that holds the fifth worst goal tally in the division (27) is a very significant contribution. Only three players have directly contributed (goals + assists) to a higher proportion of their side's total goals this season (48.1%), and Ince's closest rival from midfield in this regard is Andy Reid, who has played a part in 41% of Nottingham Forest's strikes.
He has all of the attributes you'd look for in an attacking sense, particularly from a winger. He's quick and direct in his running, averaging 1.5 successful dribbles per game, and he's full of confidence, firing off a team high of 2.7 shots per game. Despite an air of arrogance about him at times he isn't greedy, having created 2.2 chances per game and delivered 2.2 accurate crosses per game. All of the aforementioned figures are enough to rank him among the top 20 players in the Championship, so it's clear that he stands out at this level.
Ince isn't without his weaknesses though, with WhoScored.com's player characteristics highlighting his ability to hold on to the ball and his defensive contribution as downfalls. Only three players have been dispossessed more in the Championship this season (71) and of all player's at Blackpool with at least 10 league starts only Stephen Dobbie has averaged fewer tackles (1) and interceptions (0.6) per game.
He's somewhat of a luxury player, and it's little surprise that a number of the teams in the bottom half of the Premier League are keen on Ince. He’s the sort of player that can supply that something different to give a team the edge in a potential fight against relegation.
A short-term loan deal until the end of the season looks likely before moving on a free in the summer and Blackpool could yet be drawn into a basement battle of their own without him.
Where do you think Tom Ince will end up this month? Let us know in the comments below
