According to the Mirror (Jan 16; Page 53), Derby County are looking to sign Norwich City youngster Shae Hutchinson in a potential bargain deal.
The 19-year-old striker is out of contract with Norwich in the summer.
The Canaries may be more willing to sell the striker on the cheap this month, rather than risk losing him for a potentially small compensation fee this coming summer.
Hutchinson’s path to a first-team place at Norwich is blocked by an array of talent. Teemu Pukki, Josep Drmic and fellow youngster Adam Idah stand in his way.
Blessed with speed and an eye for goal, Hutchinson has scored three goals in the Premier League 2 this season, but his biggest success has come off the pitch.
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The youngster underwent a kidney transplant in 2018. His U23 coach, David Wright, believes his return to action is an amazing story as he told Pinkun last year.
It’s amazing, an absolutely amazing story. A kidney transplant, less than a year ago and now he’s back playing! He’s had a few health issues that led to the kidney transplant but it’s full credit for him to go through such a major health issue in his life and to be put through such a major operation.
Derby may be initially looking to sign Hutchinson for their U23 side.
The Rams first-team squad boasts strikers Jack Marriott, Martyn Waghorn and Chris Martin while both Wayne Rooney and Morgan Whittaker could also play upfront.
Derby’s academy currently ranks as one of the best in the country. The U18s won the Premier League Cup last season, while the U23s sit near the top of the Premier League 2.
Moreover, manager Phillip Cocu has shown there is a pathway for youngsters to the first team with Max Bird, Jason Knight, Max Lowe and Whittaker all involved.
Also see: Championship club reportedly seek January deal for Derby player in fresh twist
Also see: Derby reportedly agree to 28-year-old’s departure; rival clubs keen