Derby County have announced a contract extension for young defender Eiran Cashin in a huge transfer boost for the Rams.
The 22-year-old committed his future to the East Midlands outfit by signing a new deal that will run until 2027. It comes after the academy prospect came close to a move to Premier League outfit Brighton and Hove Albion on transfer deadline day last summer.
The Republic of Ireland youth international was into his final year under contract at Derby, though it was later confirmed that an option of an extra year was triggered that would see him stay until the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
Cashin has made 28 appearances for Derby in League One this season, keeping ten clean sheets so far. The youngster has been a key part of a rather settled partnership alongside Curtis Nelson, hopeful of earning a return to the Championship.
However, the news of a new long-term deal will be music to the ears of the club and supporters alike. It will allow the Rams to keep one of their key players for longer, while also insuring themselves in the transfer market if interest does appear again.
The club had already suffered the fate of dwindling contracts in the case of midfielder Max Bird late in the January transfer window. The academy graduate was into the final six-months of his deal at Pride Park and had been offered an extension.
That appeared to be turned down though, as a last-gasp move from Bristol City was confirmed, with a loan back to the club for the second half of the season. In the case of Cashin though, Derby will be better prepared for future interest.
