Derby County have been one of the most active clubs in the summer transfer window, and the Rams don’t plan on stopping there.
Having suffered relegation from the Championship with Rotherham three times previously, Paul Warne knows how tough it will be to keep Derby in the second tier.
It’s now just under three weeks till the Rams open up their campaign with a trip to Blackburn Rovers on August 9th, hoping to start where they left off last term.
There will certainly be a lot of changes from the side that beat Carlisle United to secure a second-place finish, as seven first-teamers have departed, while five new players have been added to the first-team squad.
Warne also has further irons in the fire, so with that said, here’s a round-up of the latest Derby transfer news and rumours…
£1.4m transfer agreed for new goalkeeper
Derby have been scouring the market for a replacement for Joe Wildsmith all summer but it has proven difficult. Some of their targets, including Viktor Johanssen and Mathew Ryan have both joined other clubs, while wages appear to be the sticking point in a move for Marek Rodak.
Luckily, their wait for a new number one may finally be over, as the Rams have agreed a £1.4 million fee for Swedish shot-stopper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom from Djurgårdens IF.
With a deal agreed and a medical scheduled, it appears a matter of time before a transfer is complete however, supporters may have to wait a while longer.
Zetterstrom is set to play for Djurgårdens in the Europa Conference League, with qualifiers taking place this week and the week after.
Derby confirm David Ozoh
Following a move for striker Jerry Yates, Derby have utilised the loan market once more by completing the signing of David Ozoh from Crystal Palace.
The 19-year-old – who impressed in a 2-2 draw against Manchester City for the Eagles – joins Warne’s squad on a season-long loan.
It’s an impressive signing for the Rams, as the powerhouse midfielder was once described by Frenchman Patrick Vieira as ‘gifted’.
Derby County want Rangers winger Scott Wright
Darren Witcoop revealed on Tuesday that Derby, Sheffield Wednesday and Preston had all ‘made enquires’ for Rangers winger Scott Wright.
Moving to a Championship side was said to be his ‘likely destination’ as the Gers look to shift on the Scotsman, who has made 112 appearances for the Scottish giants, scoring 12 and assisting seven.
Warne is on the lookout for a versatile wide player, so acquiring the 26-year-old could be a smart move for the club.
Warne in ‘no rush’ to let Dajaune Brown leave on loan
There hasn’t been much in the way of outgoings recently, as Warne offloaded most of his fringe players at the end of last season.
However, he is expected to allow a few of his youngsters to leave on loan in order to gain invaluable experience.
Dajaune Brown – who starred on loan at Gateshead in the National League – is attracting significant loan interest from clubs, but Warne is in ‘no rush’ to send the 18-year-old out temporarily.
“I normally get at least one phone call about him a day about some club who wants to sign him,” Warne said.
“I’m in no rush to let him go, but I also don’t want to hinder his progress. So unfortunately, you know, Derby comes before a player. That’s the honest truth. So at this moment in time, he’s staying within the camp until otherwise.”
Derby ‘remain keen’ on Daniel Iversen
Derby have previously shown an interest in Leicester City goalkeeper Daniel Iversen, as last month it was reported that Warne wanted to take him on loan to Pride Park.
Now, it appears the Foxes want to shift the towering Dane on permanently and the Rams ‘remain keen’ on signing him however, there is one problem.
Leicester are holding out for a ridiculous £1.5 million, despite him entering the final year of his contract, and Derby are only prepared to offer much less.
Keep an eye on how this situation plans out, especially after their bid for Zetterstrom was accepted.