Derby County are keen on signing an EFL sensation in this transfer window to boost their promotion hopes.
With the January transfer window now open, clubs are battling hard to get deals done, and Derby are one of many clubs in League One who are looking to strengthen their squad.
The Rams slipped to a 3-2 defeat against promotion rivals Peterborough United on New Years Day.
Paul Warne’s side led 2-1 till the 84th minute thanks to a James Collins double and looked on course to extend their unbeaten run in the league to 12 matches.
However, a Kwame Poku equaliser and a 94th-minute winner from Ricky Jade-Jones secured all three points for the Posh.
The defeat put Derby five points behind the automatic promotion places and accentuated their need to strengthen in this transfer window.
One position that needs bolstering is midfield. With Max Bird potentially departing in the future and scarce options to choose from off the bench, it is clear that Warne needs reinforcements in this area and an update has emerged regarding their pursuit of a midfield sensation.
Derby want to sign Reading midfielder Charlie Savage
According to the Daily Mail, Derby are interested in signing Reading midfielder Charlie Savage, though their initial enquiry over the 20-year-old was knocked back despite their financial turmoil.
Nonetheless, the report claims that the Rams ‘remain keen’ on pursuing a deal for the Welsh international after watching him put in some fine displays for the Royals.
A Manchester United academy graduate and the son of former Derby midfielder Robbie Savage, the youngster comes from a rich footballing background and has strong experience of playing in the EFL despite his tender age.
During his loan spell at Forest Green Rovers last season, he was hailed as ‘incredible’ by manager Duncan Ferguson for his performances which ultimately earned him a permanent transfer to Reading at the start of this season.
Would Charlie Savage be a good signing for Derby?
In a side struggling at the bottom end of League One, Savage has been a rare beam of light alongside centre-back Nelson Abbey.
An industrious midfielder, who likes to cover every blade of grass on the pitch, Savage is someone who never stops running and it’s such energy that Derby require in their engine room.
Conor Hourihane is the deep-lying playmaker, Bird is the goal threat, and the former Man United man would be the dynamic and tough-tackling midfielder that Warne needs to break up play.
They could form a potentially devastating trio and strengthen their chances of promotion while weakening a League One rival in the process.