BLACKPOOL have triggered the seven-figure release clause in Cameron Brannagan’s contract, the Oxford Mail understands.

The Sky Bet Championship club are closing in on signing the Oxford United talisman on the eve of the new season.

It is a huge blow for the U’s ahead of their Sky Bet League One opener at Derby County on Saturday.

Brannagan has been a key figure for United since arriving from Liverpool in January 2018, scoring 29 goals in 188 matches.

The 26-year-old’s performances have attracted significant interest from the Championship, with United rejecting bids from Blackpool in the previous two transfer windows.