According to a report in the Daily Mail, Burnley and Brighton and Hove Albion are eyeing a £1.5 million January deal for reported Derby County target Jamie Hamilton.
The Rams were said to be monitoring the 17-year-old defender in September. However, the Daily Mail claimed Derby faced heavy competition from the Premier League.
Hamilton’s performances this season for Hamilton Academical have caught the eye. He broke into the first team early in the campaign, making his Scottish Premiership debut.
The stylish centre-back has since become a regular, prompting five U19 Scotland caps.
Hamilton is tall, strong and comfortable in possession. He likes to play the ball out from the back, a feature of his game which Premier League scouts have picked up on.
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Aside from Burnley and Brighton, the Daily Mail also cite Aston Villa, Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers as suitors. It doesn’t bode well for Derby.
The Rams are plotting for long-term success under new manager Phillip Cocu. Despite struggles at first-team level, the Dutchman holds the backing of owner Mel Morris.
Academy stars such as Jason Knight, Max Bird, Morgan Whittaker, Max Lowe and Louie Sibley have all tasted first-team action in the Championship this season.
Current Derby centre-back pairing Curtis Davies and Craig Forsyth are out of contract next summer. A new, young central defender will be a priority for the Rams.
Hamilton would represent a fine long-term addition for Derby. However, with Premier League clubs pushing ahead, a deal for the youngster is looking increasingly unlikely.
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