Derby County have a long-standing interest in the player but now face tough competition for his signature.
The Rams have managed to sign eight first-team players for Paul Warne during the 2024 summer transfer window so far.
However, those new additions could not prevent Derby County losing 4-2 to Blackburn Rovers on the opening day of the 2024/25 Championship season.
New signing Ben Osborn earned praise from a former Premier League boss after his debut for the Derbyshire outfit.
But it was not midfield that stood out as a key problem in their defeat to Blackburn, with it clear Warne needs to sign a striker.
Derby want Luton Town striker Cauley Woodrow but a deal cannot be completed until the Hatters sign attacking reinforcements themselves.
Other forwards have been tipped to make the move to Pride Park in the remainder of the window as well.
Karamoko Dembele wants a Championship move and is of interest to the newly-promoted side.
Elsewhere, Derby are long-term admirers of Bobby Clark, who is currently on the books of Liverpool.
- READ MORE: Derby County predicted lineup, team and injury news as David Ozoh rested for Chesterfield clash
Derby County face competition for transfer target
Newcastle-born Clark joined Liverpool’s academy in 2021 and has previously been dubbed an ‘outstanding player’ by Jurgen Klopp, as per the Reds’ official website.
However, the 19-year-old Derby transfer target is now attracting interest from a Champions League club.
According to The Athletic, Red Bull Salzburg have made an offer of around £8.2m to sign the teenager on a permanent basis.
Former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders is now manager of the Austrian outfit and will be very familiar with what Clark can offer.
However, in a boost to Warne and Co., it is understood Salzburg’s bid falls short of Liverpool’s valuation of the youngster.
The Rams, of course, will not be able to compete with the Champions League side over a permanent transfer.
But Liverpool are said to be considering a loan move for Clark, with the likes of Norwich City and Leeds United interested in a deal.
Derby must focus on other targets instead of Bobby Clarke
Clark has a high ceiling and would no doubt prove a quality addition for most Championship clubs.
However, the Rams have already signed four central midfielders in the current transfer window and new areas must now be the priority.
Derby should sign a left-back after their lack of depth in that position was highlighted in the Blackburn defeat.
And despite scoring twice against the Rovers, a quality striker should also be brought to the club if the Rams want to avoid a relegation battle this term.
Jerry Yates and Kayden Jackson have already signed but neither player has shown they can consistently hit 15+ goals in a campaign, which is what Warne will need if his side continues to leak goals.
If a loan move for Clark presents itself and it does not take away transfer funds from other areas of the pitch, it could be a good addition for Derby.
But right now, the Liverpool ace’s signing should be low on the club’s priority list.