England Under-18 international Zak Emmerson joined the Seasiders for an undisclosed fee from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The striker, who scored 20 goals in 26 games for the Seagulls youth team last season, put pen-to-paper on a three-year contract at Bloomfield Road, which includes the option of a further year.

Set to initially link up with the Development Squad, the 18-year-old previously experienced league football when emerging as a talent at Oldham Athletic, becoming the second youngest EFL debutant at just 15 years and 73 days old.

Emmerson joined National League South side Eastbourne Borough on loan until January in September 2023.