Rotherham United are linked with a move for Blackpool striker Kylian Kouassi, lining up a potential reunion between the former Salford City man and former coach Alex Bruce.
The 23-year-old worked under Bruce, who was Karl Robinson’s assistant at Moor Lane, on a season-long loan which saw him play 31 times and provide five goals and assists across the League Two season.
Millers Eye Kouassi Deal
However, the former Sutton United forward’s future at Blackpool is looking bleak in the wake of the return of Jerry Yates at Bloomfield Road on a season-long loan from Luton Town.
That has led Ian Evatt to allow Kouassi to leave the Seasiders before the window shuts, with Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke reporting that both Rotherham United and Colchester United are eyeing a move for the striker.
He had been involved in all four of Blackpool’s games this season prior to Yates’ arrival, and found the net in their EFL Cup first-round win over League Two side Grimsby Town.
Adding new striking options was a key focus for the Millers prior to their free agent swoop for Paul Mullin, having considered multiple options, including Kyle Vassell, Bruce Anderson and Tom Bradshaw, with the latter eventually joining the Yorkshire club.
Colchester meanwhile are in the hunt to try and add further options to support Bradley Ihionvien, who was brought back to Essex on loan after two years at Peterborough United.
Kouassi spent last season away from Blackpool in League Two with Cambridge United, playing 19 times and scoring five goals, playing a part in Neil Harris’ side’s promotion back to League One at the first time of asking.
Bruce Continues Ammies Associations
The recruitment of Alex Bruce has allowed Rotherham United to use his many contacts to try and pull strings in what was a critical summer for squad building at the club, and once again it seems he is keen on signing a former player.
Having already added Ashley Ossama to their ranks and well on course to signing Josh Austerfield from Salford City, Kylian Kouassi could be the third ex-Ammie to head to the New York Stadium, and would be an ideal option to round out their attack.
While Paul Mullin and Fabio Tavares are easing into their new partnership up front, there is a lack of depth to support their front two system, with just Tom Bradshaw and Arjany Martha to back them up.
Kouassi may not be the most clinical striker available to Rotherham, but Bruce is already aware of his strengths and weaknesses, meaning he will already have a connection should they be able to beat Colchester to his signing.
Whether he can displace Tavares or Mullin as a first-team choice at the club is another question, but as someone who can chip in with the occasional goal and provide adequate cover, it is a sensible signing to make.
