Former Derby County left-back Lee Buchanan is of interest to Championship duo Birmingham City and Swansea City.
According to Pete O’Rourke, Buchanan is subject to interest from both the Blues and the Swans.
The left-back is a product of Derby’s academy and made an instant impact on his senior bow for the club, scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory over Scunthorpe United away from home in the Carabao Cup.
He made his league debut shortly after, playing the full 90 as the Rams battled to a 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion.
It was clear to see Buchanan’s potential as former Derby boss Phillip Cocu took a shine to the youngster. He went on to make 37 appearances in his maiden season in senior football, followed by a further 31 in the following campaign under Wayne Rooney.
Last summer, after the Rams were relegated to League One following a hefty points deduction, the defender exercised his right to refuse an optional further year as he came to the end of his contract. A decision that Rams fans did not take well to in their club’s time of need.
MORE DERBY STORIES
He subsequently signed for Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen on a free transfer, with Derby receiving a tribunal fee for the youngster.
After one season in the German top flight, Buchanan has made 23 appearances, just three of which came as a starter, and he now looks set for a return to England in search of regular game time.
He did, however, score a spectacular goal in a shock 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund towards the beginning of the campaign which certainly caught the eye.
What next for Buchanan?
Should Buchanan opt for Birmingham, he would not be the only former Ram amongst their ranks.
Blues manager John Eustace enjoyed two spells at Derby as a player, whilst Krystian Bielik signed permanently for Birmingham this summer following his loan spell from the Rams last season.
Swansea also have a couple of former Derby boys within their squad. Jamie Patterson and Morgan Whittaker both featured for the Rams in Buchanan’s breakthrough season at the club, the latter of which he progressed through the academy with.
He is a talented player, so a return to the Championship in exchange for regular playing time may do his career some good.