Derby County are preparing to ‘open talks’ over a deal for an ‘outstanding’ League One star.
Derby County can breathe a sigh of relief after managing to achieve promotion at the second time of asking.
The Rams jump up to the Championship gives them a boost in their bid to keep hold of their key players, while they have a number of stars out of contract.
Derby could potentially see up to six midfielders leave this summer, with Max Bird’s move to Bristol City confirmed, while Ebou Adams has returned to Wales from his loan spell.
Louie Sibley, Liam Thompson, Conor Hourihane and Korey Smith are also out of contract next month.
While Paul Warne‘s side will look to keep hold of some of them, it also appears they are already looking to the transfer window to bolster the middle of the park.
Derby will look back down to League One for a new addition though, with journalist Alan Nixon claiming they are preparing to ‘open talks’ with Herbie Kane.
The ‘outstanding’ 25-year-old has nine goal and five assists this season and could now be on his way out after Barnsley were knocked out of the play-offs.
Herbie Kane wants a move to the Championship
Speaking via his Patreon, Nixon said: “Herbie Kane is leaving managerless Barnsley at the end of his contract.
“Midfielder Kane has had a successful spell at Oakwell but their failure to win promotion has signalled the end of his time there.
“The former Liverpool hopeful wants to play in the Championship and is waiting on offers and after a season of a combined 15 goals and assists he should be snapped up.
“Ironically Derby County are taking an interest and may open talks shortly.”
Derby County could earn themselves a risk-free bargain
Derby County are unlikely to be able to compete financially with a number of clubs in the Championship, but that doesn’t mean they can’t use the free agent market wisely.
Herbie Kane’s contract at Barnsley comes to an end this summer, and could now be signed on a free transfer.
He has had plenty of success in the third tier and was key to their push for promotion, but now deserves a chance in the Championship – and it appears that will be without Barnsley.
While the Rams will want to avoid snapping up too many League One players, bringing Kane in for absolutely nothing seems like a risk-free move and one that could really add some squad depth to a weakened area of the pitch.