According to a report by Football Insider, Derby County are among Championship clubs looking to sign former Hull City target Ben Whiteman from Doncaster Rovers.
The report claims Derby, Blackburn and Barnsley are plotting late moves for the Doncaster captain following his impressive performances in League One.
Whiteman, a former Manchester United youth player, has made 28 appearances this season. In League One, he has netted four goals in 22 starts for Rovers.
The 23-year-old is predominantly a holding midfielder. He has averaged two tackles and two interceptions for Rovers this season, according to Whoscored.
His impressive displays at Doncaster attracted the attentions of Yorkshire rivals Hull City.
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The Tigers reportedly made a move for Whiteman last summer with manager Grant McCann a big fan. Doncaster, however, turned down their approach.
Derby’s reported interest in him makes little sense.
The Rams are well-stocked in the holding midfield position. Krystian Bielik, a £10 million signing from Arsenal last summer, and Max Bird are considered long-term options there.
Bielik is set to miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury. But, in his absence, Tom Huddlestone and Graeme Shinnie will also compete with Bird for a regular starting spot.
Blackburn and Barnsley, meanwhile, may prove to be more likely suitors.
Barnsley’s latest defeat at home to Preston North End leaves them in the Championship’s relegation zone and 13 points behind an in-form Derby who are starting to look up.
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