Derby County will look to be one of the busiest clubs in the Championship this summer as Paul Warne aims to flesh out his depleted squad.
After waving goodbye to six first-team stars, Warne has claimed Derby need at least nine players through the door to compete in the Championship next season.
Warne has previously found it difficult to steer his sides to safety in the second tier, suffering three relegations with Rotherham United.
With the backing of David Clowes in the window, he will feel he can avoid making it a fourth but after watching Birmingham City get relegated on 50 points last term, recruitment will have to be spot on.
Here’s all the latest transfer news and rumours…
Derby County in ‘advanced talks’ to sign a Celtic youngster
It’s becoming increasingly common to see youngsters in Scotland move south of the border to ply their trade in England.
Derby showed an interest in 17-year-old right-back Rocco Friel from Hearts however, he’s now close to joining Queens Park Rangers.
Warne instead turned his attention to another highly-rated defender, with the Athletic reporting the Rams are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Celtic teenager AJ Doyle as the club plans for the future.
The 16-year-old has represented Republic of Ireland at under-15’s level and currently plays for the Bhoys under-17 side.
Derby County latest on Ebou Adams
Derby supporters would have hoped to see a deal for midfielder Ebou Adams wrapped up by now, although it has gone a bit quiet on that front.
The 28-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell at Pride Park last term and Warne is interested in securing a permanent deal for him.
Alan Nixon has since dropped an update on the Cardiff City midfielder, claiming they’ve been trying to do a deal for weeks.
So, it appears supporters will have to be patient, though given the future of Cardiff manager Erol Bulut has been resolved, expect the club to make a move for Adams in the coming weeks.
Derby County in race to sign Ben Osborn
Ben Osborn was released from his contract at Sheffield United following their relegation from the Premier League.
Warne is currently in the market for a new midfielder and it was reported earlier this week that Derby ‘fancied’ landing the 29-year-old on a free transfer.
Fellow Championship side Watford are also said to be in the running for the ex-Nottingham Forest player, who made 230 appearances for the club.
A move for a player who once starred for their rivals would be a bold move but considering he grew up supporting Derby alongside his father, a move for the “excellent” midfielder makes sense and Carlton Palmer agrees.
Derby County eyeing move for Adama Sidibeh
Warne has recently said he’s had calls with three different players over a potential move to Derby, and one of those could be St Johnstone striker Adama Sidibeh.
The Rams were named as one of three Championship clubs interested in the Gambian striker, who plundered five goals in 15 Scottish Premiership matches last term.
Sidibeh only joined St Johnstone in the January window but after making quite the impression, Swansea are said to be preparing a £500,000 bid for the powerful striker.
Warne needs a centre forward to swoop ahead of James Collins and Conor Washington, though it remains to be seen whether interest in the 25-year-old is genuine.