Derby County have expressed an interest in Hull City winger Ryan Longman, according to a report from Hull Live.
After a somewhat successful stint with Millwall on loan last season, Longman is attracting interest from a number of Championship clubs including the Lions. During his spell with the London-based outfit, he’d register three goals and a further three assists in 35 Championship appearances.
The fact that he was loaned out by Hull last season potentially shows that he is not in the club’s plans currently and the 23-year-old could well leave the MKM Stadium this summer. That does however all depend on new manager Tim Walter’s assessment of the winger, who is now back with his parent club for pre-season.
It’s all change for the Tigers this summer following the potentially surprising sacking of Liam Rosenior after their failure to make the play-offs last term. It was Rosenior who allowed Longman to go out on loan for first team football last season, yet Walter may have a different opinion now seeing him for the first time.
It has previously been reported that Millwall have been in negotiations with Hull for Longman, however a deal is yet to be agreed, which has the door slightly ajar for another club to swoop.
That could now well happen, with Hull Live reporting that Derby County have an expressed an interest in the winger. With Championship experience already to his name, Longman would certainly bolster the newly promoted side’s forward ranks.
He wouldn’t come cheap if a permanent deal was to be struck, with Transfermarkt valuing the player at around the £1.7 million mark, however, a change of scenery could strike further improvement in the Englishman.
After being somewhat of a mainstay in Hull’s side a couple of seasons ago, Longman has fallen out of favour and perhaps a permanent move away is now best for him to re-invigorate his career. Both Millwall and Derby are good options but he could really become a key player for the latter and would certainly get the opportunities to prove himself.
Writer’s View
It’s potentially a tricky point in Longman’s career with him seemingly out of favour at his parent club. Given he is out of contract at the MKM Stadium next summer, perhaps they may choose to cash in on him this window, and there are options on the table.
A move to Derby could well work out for the winger and they are a club who seem to be back on the up. With a plethora of attacking talent already, Longman could take them to another level if rediscovering his best. Getting consistent minutes will help him, something he should get at Pride Park.
Derby’s interest may well prompt Millwall to act quicker however, so don’t be surprised if he is to sign for the Lions. It just seems as if a move away from Hull is now the best option for his career.
Senior Editor
