Reported Derby County and Blackburn Rovers target Ben Whiteman says he wants to be plying his trade in the Championship after failed bids from Barnsley, Doncaster Press report.
The Doncaster captain attracted plenty of interest last season.
A report by Football Insider last January claimed Derby, Blackburn and Barnsley were keen, while Hull City saw a previous bid in the summer of 2019 knocked back.
(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images).
Whiteman’s season was cut short due to the global health pandemic. Prior to that, he topped the passing charts in League One, averaging 63.9 per game.
The Doncaster Press claim Barnsley later saw bids rejected this past summer. Now, the midfielder has spoken out on his desire to play Championship football.
The club value me at a certain price and if that price is not met then I’m not going to be going anywhere. I’m old enough and wise enough that if it does come then it comes and my representatives and the clubs will sort it out. I’ve said that ever since I’ve been here that I want to play in the Championship and I want to get there sooner rather than later.
Both Barnsley and Blackburn may go in for him again in January, with the latter setting their sights on a Championship playoff spot this season.
Rovers have a good squad under Tony Mowbray, and the Lancashire side may feel a sprinkle of quality in January will be enough to push them into the top six.
Derby, meanwhile, are at the bottom of the Championship following a horrible run of form. Their latest 2-0 defeat at home to Barnsley was their seventh in 11 games.
(Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images).
The Rams, however, have bigger priorities than in midfield. A new striker is a must in January, while the return to fitness of Jordon Ibe will surely add another dimension to the attack.
Derby have young stars Max Bird, Jason Knight and Louie Sibley seeking a regular spot in midfield while Graeme Shinnie, Duane Holmes and Wayne Rooney are also options.
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