The Mariners are set to miss out on one of their prime summer targets after the player opted for a move to League One.

Winger Jamie Devitt was highly touted as re-joining the Mariners this summer, but it is understood from sources close to the player that he has plumped for a move to League One outfit Blackpool.

After early interest from Hibs, Hearts and Hull subsided, it looked like the door had swung open for the Mariners to bring back the player who had previously enjoyed two loan spells at Blundell Park.

But, following Devitt turning down a new deal at Carlisle, a number of other League Two clubs entered the race for the player’s signature, amongst them Swindon, Plymouth and Football League newcomers Salford City.

This altered the attention of League One sides Blackpool and Southend, with the player opting to remain in the North West with the Seasiders, following previous spells at Morecambe and Carlisle.

It is understood that the Mariners put together a handsome package for the player and the guarantee of first-team football, but the lure of League One at Bloomfield Road has proven too strong.