According to Tubantia, Derby County are keen on signing Groningen captain Mike te Wierik ahead of the upcoming January 31 transfer deadline.
The Rams have been on the lookout for a new central defender this month.
The sacking of Richard Keogh has left a void at the back. Curtis Davies, 34, and right-back Andre Wisdom have filled in alongside Brighton loanee Matt Clarke.
Derby have spent most of January reportedly chasing the loan signing of Filip Benkovic. However, Leicester City aren’t willing to let him go until they have another defender in.
The Foxes have so far come unstuck in their own search for a defender.
MORE DERBY STORIES
It means Derby may look elsewhere before Friday’s deadline, and fresh Dutch reports claim Groningen’s Mike te Wierik is a serious contender to join the Rams.
The 27-year-old joined Groningen from Heracles in 2017. His contract expires this summer, meaning he can walk away on a free at the end of the season.
Groningen may feel they are better of cashing in on him this month.
Te Wierik boasts an 87.4% pass-accuracy rate. He is a ball-playing central defender, and he has helped Groningen post the second-best defensive record in the Eredivisie.
Derby have struggled to play the ball out from the back this season. Signing te Wierik could be a step in the right direction as Phillip Cocu seeks to implement his style.
The report adds FC Twente are also keen, but Derby may be the more appealing.
Also see: U21 international says Derby tried to force Nottinghamshire club into buying him
Also see: £2m talent Derby reportedly wanted to sign could face Rams in Midland clash