Transfer News

Club chief confirms new Derby County transfer meeting as ‘terms agreed’ on key signing

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With less than two weeks to go until the Championship campaign is up and running, Derby County are still pushing hard to bolster their ranks in the transfer market.

The Rams are set to return to the second tier after earning promotion from League One last season under Paul Warne.

The Derby boss has had little time to celebrate though as preparations have had to come quickly surrounding changes to the squad.

An increase in quality and a general reduction of the age profile was in order, something that has largely happened so far.

However, there are still some key areas that require attention before the window slams shut at the end of August.

Not least at goalkeeper following the departures of Joe Wildsmith and Scott Loach over the summer months.

While Josh Vickers is a capable senior option at Pride Park, attention has turned towards other players in the summer transfer market.

AIK v Djurgardens IF - Allsvenskan
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Jacob Widell Zetterstrom transfer latest

The main contender to be the new starting goalkeeper at Derby this season appears to be Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.

According to reports, Derby have had a £1.4million bid accepted for Zetterstrom this summer ahead of a move.

However, the six-foot, six-inches shot-stopper is yet to make his way to Moor Farm as his side – Swedish outfit Djurgarden – play in Europa Conference League qualifiers.

There appears to be an agreement between clubs that will allow Zetterstrom to feature in Europe before joining the Rams at a later date.

That said, it does appear as though the goalkeeper has flown to England for a new transfer meeting ahead of his switch.

That’s according to Djurgarden chief Bosse Andersson, who told Aftonbladet: “His mother is waiting outside, so he will go to London.

“We have a discussion, we agree on the terms, but an important part is that you get to go there and get to know each other.”

The 26-year-old is claimed to be meeting up with Derby representatives before he returns to Sweden on Monday night.

Djurgarden take on FC Progres in Luxembourg on Thursday as part of a second leg for their Europa Conference League qualifiers – where the Swedish side currently leads 3-0.

“All coaches want their goalkeeper as soon as possible,” Andersson continues. “But Derby are well aware of our situation.

“We have Scandinavia’s best goalkeeper and are out playing Europe so we have a good dialogue.”

Djurgardens IF v Kalmar FF - Allsvenskan
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Derby County transfer plan

With Zetterstrom set to be a later arrival than expected, it leaves plenty of questions surrounding whether the deal will be the right one.

However, with Derby’s change of transfer approach seeing them enter the European market for players, it’s clear that perhaps some patience is needed.

It remains to be seen if the new goalkeeper will be a success or not, but the switch on transfers is a refreshing one for the club.

If Zetterstrom is the right signing for everyone, from the financial side to the recruitment and the coaching staff, then being patient is the best approach.