Derby County can now move for one of their ‘immense’ transfer targets after seeing a key situation resolved.
With the transfer window fast approaching, Derby supporters are waiting patiently for the club to kickstart their business.
Paul Warne will have a shortlist of targets he wants to sign and the 51-year-old will prioritise a new goalkeeper to replace Joe Wildsmith while overhauling his full midfield and signing a striker to compete with or replace James Collins.
Those areas are the most important, although Warne has claimed the Rams need reinforcements in every position, describing the Championship as the toughest he’s seen in years.
Ebou Adams is one target on his list, with the 28-year-old returning to Cardiff City after a successful loan spell last term.
Warne wants to sign the midfielder permanently this summer and could now do so following the resolution of one key factor in the deal.
Cardiff City give Erol Bulut a new contract
The situation involving Cardiff and Erol Bulut was said to be holding up any deal for Adams.
Bulut was in dispute over a new contract in South Wales, a situation that tested the patience of fans and was described as “unacceptable” by the Supporters Trust.
This had implications on any moves involving Adams to Derby as Bulut, or a new manager, would need to decide on his future before letting him leave.
The Turkish tactician has now been given a new contract at the Cardiff City Stadium which will surely open the door for Adams to join the Rams.
Adams was out of favour at Cardiff last term, starting just three matches in the Championship before being loaned out to Derby in January.
It was reported last month that the Bluebirds wanted £500,000 for the midfielder as Warne lined up a bid for £250,000, falling well short of their valuation.
Derby County must pay £500,000 for Ebou Adams
Bulut’s contract dispute is now resolved and that is music to the ears of Derby supporters, who will feel Adams will be available to sign.
At a fee of £500,000, the 28-year-old looks like a steal and David Clowes should present Warne with the funds to capture him, as long as he’s not wanted by Cardiff.
Adams endeared himself to the Derby faithful with his abundance of tenacity and physicality in the middle of the park. Partnering him next to someone creative such as Herbie Kane could be the perfect combination for Warne to build around.
In 17 League One matches, the “immense” titan put up some frightening defensive metrics, including 5.1 balls recovered per game, 2.8 tackles and 58% of total duels won.
It’s such defensive solidity and athleticism that Warne craves in his midfield, and getting a deal over the line would be a fantastic start to their summer.