An alternative loan arrangement could be needed after The News learned that Michael Applelton will consider bringing the 24-year-old’s Fratton Park stay to an end in the new year because of injury issues at Bloomfield Road.
Dale’s departure would obviously leave the Blues short in that area.
As a result, we’ve come up with eight options Cowley could look towards if Blackpool were to recall the winger early from his season-long loan.
Here’s what we found.
5. Leon Dajaku (Sunderland)
The former Bayern Munich winger made his Black Cats loan move from Union Berlin permanent in the summer when Alex Neil was still in charge at Sunderland. However, the 21-year-old hasn’t enjoyed the same success under Tony Mowbray, who called on the forward to step up if he wants a place in his starting XI. In League One last term, Dajaku scored four goals for the Black Cats and provided four assists. Photo: Stu Forster
6. Joseph Hungbo (Watford)
The 22-year-old has made six appearances in the Championship this term for Watford, all of which have come from the bench. The winger has appeared as a late substitute in the Hornets’ past two league games, with his only start of the campaign coming against MK Dons in the Carabao Cup. Hungbo enjoyed a successful campaign on loan with Ross County last term, scoring six goals and registering four assists in 28 Scottish Premiership games. Photo: Ryan Hiscott
7. Anthony Scully (Wigan)
Scully completed a move to the Championship with Wigan on deadline-day after a two-year stay at Lincoln. However, the former Republic of Ireland under-21 international has featured just three times off the bench for the Latics this term and has been included in one match-day squad out of their previous seven games. Last season, the 23-year-old scored 11 goals in League One and provided seven assists for the Imps. Photo: George Wood
8. Reeco Hackett (Pompey)
Hackett has flourished in recent weeks for Pompey, which included a man-of-the-match performance against Oxford in October. The 24-year-old has come alive under Danny Cowley, scoring three goals in his previous nine games in all competitions. The ex-Southend man has provided good competition with Dale on the right wing this season and would be looking to make the position his own if the loanee was recalled. Photo: Jason Brown