Derby County are continuing their surge for new recruits this summer in an attempt to survive in the Championship next season and are looking at Ipswich Town to do so, according to the latest reports.
It was revealed back on Wednesday night that the Rams were set to secure the services of former academy player Ben Osborn as his contract expires at fellow Championship side Sheffield United this Sunday. The club have now confirmed the arrival of the 29-year-old midfielder who can also be utilised on the flanks, offering head coach Paul Warne some tactical flexibility heading into the new campaign.
While Osborn is the first completed deal of the transfer window for Derby, Warne has set his sights on several other targets. It was revealed on Thursday night that Swansea City frontman Jerry Yates is set to move to Pride Park on a season-long loan and a deal will be finalised over the coming days. The newly-promoted side are set to fend off competition from the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City for his signature.
Meanwhile, Warne is also reportedly keen to bring in a new goalkeeper since Joe Wildsmith officially leaves the club as a free agent this weekend. One name linked with a move to Derby County is goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, although it’s unclear whether the club can afford to sign the 93-cap Australia international following his exit from AZ Alkmaar.
🤣 The new @EASPORTSFC rankings have caused quite a stir in the O's camp between Prats and Iddy.
Full squad reaction coming at 7.30pm 🍿#LOFC #OneOrient pic.twitter.com/LFv8seYPms
— Leyton Orient FC (@leytonorientfc) September 15, 2023
Now, the latest player being touted with a transfer to Derby this summer is Ipswich Town midfielder Idris El Mizouni. TWTD are reporting that the Tractor Boys are looking for a fee of £350,000 for the Tunisia international, but Oxford United are also interested in acquiring the former Leyton Orient loanee.
Writer’s View
It seems clear that Derby County are looking to bolster the middle of the park, even with the arrival of Osborn, hence the interest in the likes of El Mizouni from Ipswich and even Cardiff City’s Ebou Adams who spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Pride Park.
El Mizouni could potentially be an alternative to Adams if Derby cannot permanently secure the services of the Gambian. While he doesn’t get many goals or assists, he can help protect the backline and will free up more advanced players to work their magic in the final third.
Deputy Head of Writing
