Paul Ince: Looking for support from Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston

The beleaguered Seasiders have suffered a spate of injuries which, combined with a number of suspensions, has left Ince with a depleted squad.

Ince had only 12 senior players to select from ahead of Saturday's 2-0 home defeat to Middlesbrough and is desperate to bolster his options.

The Blackpool boss' prime target is reported to be Leeds United striker Varney, who has made just 10 appearances for the Yorkshire club this term, with Ross McCormack and Matt Smith taking precedence over him.

Varney enjoyed a season-long loan spell at Bloomfield Road in Blackpool's first ever season in the Premier League and Ince admits he would be delighted to receive the backing of his chairman as he attempts to secure the services of the 31-year-old.

"It would be nice if Karl could back me and allow me to get some players in," he claimed in The Sun.

"If you look how light we are, we need some strength in depth.

"On Saturday, we had two 18-year-olds, a player who has been on loan at Carlisle and one who is due to go to Bury. That's where we are."

Varney moved to Elland Road from Portsmouth in 2012 following the end of his loan spell with Blackpool and will be out of contract in the summer should Ince not be able to secure a move in the January transfer window.