According to The Telegraph, Derby County are rivalling RB Leipzig and a host of other clubs for Brighton and Hove Albion’s Haydon Roberts.
The talented youngster has been making big waves in Brighton’s academy.
The central defender, however, faces a tough ask of breaking in to the first-team set-up with Graeme Potter’s side boasting a raft of top central defenders.
Lewis Dunk, Shane Duffy and Adam Webster are first-team regulars. Beyond them, there is Ben White on loan at Leeds United and of course Matt Clarke on loan at Pride Park.
The Telegraph claim RB Leipzig and Mainz have sent scouts over from Germany. Leeds, Brentford and Derby, meanwhile, make up Championship interest.
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The Rams must look at strengthening their defence this summer:
Manager Phillip Cocu has had to deal with the Richard Keogh ordeal, Krystian Bielik’s long-term knee injury while also losing Andre Wisdom for the rest of the campaign.
Curtis Davies has his future up in their air, while Clarke will return to Brighton.
Bielik, Wisdom and new signing Mike te Wierik will make up Derby’s centre-back options for next season. However, the club will need one or two more.
Roberts, 18, looks a real prospect with the Daily Mail dubbing him a young leader.
That said, the England U19 international lacks experience at senior level and the Championship is a demanding league for a young, slight central defender.
Derby’s interest is likely to be with the long-term in mind. The Rams have one of the best academies in the country, and young players know they will get a chance at Pride Park.
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