Derby County are facing competition from two other Championship sides as well as clubs abroad to sign James McConnell.
John Eustace is now deep into his first full transfer window as manager of The Rams, already making two statement signings in Carlton Morris from Luton Town as well as American international striker Patrick Agyemang. However, it seems that a new defensive midfielder is now on his shopping list, as he looks for support for Ben Osborn and Liam Thompson.
McConnell Loan Possible
According to the Daily Mail’s Merseyside correspondent Lewis Steele, Liverpool look likely to loan out young defensive midfielder James McConnell this season as his first-team chances at Anfield look limited following the signing of Florian Wirtz for a British transfer record. With Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo both regulars under Arne Slot, the England youth international will be unlikely to play any part this season alongside Tyler Morton, who is also linked with a move away this summer.
McConnell, who has 13 senior appearances to his name for The Reds, is expected to sign a new long-term contract at the club, but has missed out on their pre-season tour of Asia through a minor injury. This move could be explained by the interest from Championship sides including Derby, Ipswich Town and West Bromwich Albion as well as unnamed clubs from Germany.
Ipswich are desperate for a new defensive midfielder with club captain Sam Morsy on his way out. Whilst Jens Cajuste may be tempted to return to Portman Road following a successful loan move, reports have fizzled out over the past few weeks. West Bromwich Albion do have depth in the position with Jayson Molumby and Alex Mowatt in the squad, but Ryan Mason may be looking to push both further forward following the release of Grady Diangana and John Swift at the end of last season.
Writers’ View
James McConnell is a very highly rated player at Liverpool but with heavy investment in the midfield this summer and very few exits expected within that position, a loan move is the best way to test the 20-year-old at the senior level. Derby County’s reported interest is interesting considering they have four players in defensive midfield that are all good enough to start for the club. Ipswich Town may be the best destination considering the vacancies now open in their starting eleven, but no matter who gets McConnell, they will have a player that is ready to impress in what will be his first full season as a regular senior player.
