According to several reports including the Sun, Derby County defender Max Lowe attracted plenty of interest this summer.
The Sun claim Brentford, Celtic and Rangers were all keen on signing the Derby left-back. The Rams, however, avoided the temptation to cash in on the youngster and it now appears to be a smart move.
Lowe made his first appearance this season in the 0-0 draw at Swansea City. The 22-year-old replaced the injured Jayden Bogle at right-back and impressed in what was an unnatural role for him.
According to Whoscored, Lowe was among Derby’s most creative players with two key passes completed. Defensively he was also sound, making two tackles and two interceptions.
His performance received praise on Twitter from Derby supporters after the game:
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Can Max Lowe establish himself as a Derby first-teamer?
Lowe isn’t a long-term option at right-back for the Rams. Fellow academy graduate Jayden Bogle has that position sewn up, and his injury now could leave manager Phillip Cocu with a tough decision to make.
But Lowe displayed confidence and ability against the Swans in a weaker position. His loan spell at Aberdeen was important for his development, and now he can push on.
Scott Malone, 28, often struggled to get going on Saturday. The former Huddersfield Town player is the club’s best left-back right now, but that could change if Lowe gets more first-team chances.
Derby have made a wise decision not to cash in on the player. Lowe has only produced glimpses of what he is capable of so far. However, the potential is without doubt there for him to become a top Championship player.