Derby County must sign midfield players this summer, and Kasey Palmer could be a viable option.
Bristol City manager Lee Johnson has ruled out making a move for the Chelsea youngster after having him on loan at Ashton Gate last summer, according to the Bristol Post.
It’s a difficult situation. The best situation for Kasey Palmer is he fights his way into Chelsea’s side. We signed Szmodics which is a similar position in that particular formation [4-2-3-1] and brings different qualities. At this moment in time I wouldn’t say anything is pending on Kasey Palmer for that reason, really.
Palmer was on loan at Derby during Gary Rowett’s tenure as manager. Despite not being a regular, many Rams supporters recognised his qualities on the ball and wanted to see more of him at Pride Park.
(Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images).
New Chelsea boss Frank Lampard isn’t likely to call upon Palmer for the coming season. The Blues have an abundance of midfield options, including Mason Mount who was on loan with the Rams last term.
Palmer will likely be allowed to move out on loan again, and Derby should consider him.
Phillip Cocu has taken over a squad of players short on midfield options. Mount has returned return to Chelsea, Bradley Johnson recently moved to Blackburn Rovers and Craig Bryson joined Aberdeen.
Jacob Butterfield, meanwhile, is currently training with Blackburn. Derby’s only senior central midfielders currently are Tom Huddlestone, Max Bird, new signing Graeme Shinnie and Duane Holmes.
Mount was such an important figure for the Rams last season. He scored nine goals and grabbed four assists in 38 Championship games. Cocu isn’t going to have an easy time replacing that output.
(Mick Walker took this photo – CameraSport via Getty Images).
Palmer, however, has the qualities to step in. He is a naturally gifted attack-minded midfielder, and Derby’s links to both Chelsea and Lampard makes him a more-than-realistic loan target this summer.
The 22-year-old has Championship promotion experience with Huddersfield Town, and he can play in a variety of attacking positions.
Also see: Derby County fans react as Bradley Johnson signs for Blackburn Rovers.