Nottingham Forest man targeted: The 7 players linked with Derby County so far this summer

Derby County are in for a big summer transfer window as they prepare to rise from League One to the Championship under Paul Warne.

Derby County fell short of an immediate return to the Championship in the 2022/23 campaign but after finishing 2nd behind Portsmouth, they’re back in the second-tier after two years away.

As a result, the Rams are set to embark on a busy summer transfer window as they look to establish themselves as a Championship regular once again.

Signings are an inevitability and before the window officially opens on June 14th, a whole host of players have been linked with moves to Pride Park.

Here, we highlight the seven players linked with moves to Derby County so far this summer and assess the likelihood of each one materialising…

Ebou Adams

Starting off with the potential return of a loan favourite, Gambian midfielder Adams is said to be a target for Derby County after his starring stint at Pride Park over the second half of last season.

Shortly after the campaign’s end, it was claimed a £250,000 bid was being readied. That’s only half of Cardiff City’s valuation though, and things have gone quiet since.

How likely is this dea

If the relevant parties can come to an agreement, you have to think this is a likely move. Now that Erol Bulut’s future in South Wales has been resolved, there might finally be some progress on this matter too.

Thierry Small

Football Insider reported that Derby County are sizing up a move for Charlton Athletic talent Thierry Small. He operates as a full-back or wing-back on the left and also impressed earlier this year.

How likely is this deal?

Charlton Athletic triggered an extension option in Small’s contract, and while they could yet cash in, they seem hopeful of keeping him. The Rams may have to look elsewhere.

Bobby Clark

Derby County are said to be long-term admirers of Liverpool starlet Clark. He’s been linked with the club before and rumours have cropped up again ahead of the summer window.

How likely is this deal?

It would be a real surprise if Warne and co didn’t put the loan market to use this summer and after promotion, they should be in with a good chance of landing someone of Clark’s calibre.

It remains to be seen whether they make a move but if they do, the Rams should stand a good opportunity of getting this over the line.

Ateef Konate

Attacking midfielder Konate is set to leave bitter rivals Nottingham Forest and as free agency beckons, the 23-year-old is claimed to be a Derby County target.

How likely is this deal?

The links are certainly somewhat of a surprise, so time will tell if he’s truly a Derby target. Even if he is, rumoured interest from Championship rivals further up the league could make this a tricky one.

It might be a surprise if Konate swaps the City Ground for Pride Park.

Adama Sidibeh

St. Johnstone only signed Gambian striker Sidibeh from non-league side Warrington Rylands in the winter but amid a strong end to the season, Football Insider said he’s got EFL interest.

Derby County have been linked alongside Middlesbrough and Burnley.

How likely is this deal?

Reports have since dismissed the rumoured Boro interest, so the Derby links may meet the same fate.

A move would mark a remarkable rise for Sidibeh but in a bid to find their new talisman, Warne may prefer a more proven option with a bit more experience at a professional level.

Herbie Kane

Amid an exit from Barnsley, reporter Alan Nixon said on his Patreon that midfielder Kane was set to hold talks over a possible Championship return with Derby County.

It comes after the Tykes fell short in the play-offs for the second consecutive season.

How likely is this deal?

Kane would be a signing many would approve of but Derbyshire Live stated he is not an active target. Barring a chance in stance, it seems the Rams are looking elsewhere.

Josh Murphy

Last but not least, Derby County are among the numerous sides said to have been keeping an eye on winger Murphy’s situation with fellow promotion winners Oxford United.

His deal is expiring and his strong form during their run-in has other clubs keen.

How likely is this deal?

After promotion, you have to fancy Oxford’s chances of keeping Murphy. It has been said by those close to him that his preference is to stay at the Kassam Stadium too.

As such, he could be one for Derby to cross off the list.

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