According to the Daily Mail, Derby County are one of five clubs keen to sign Motherwell defender Stephen O’Donnell following his latest Euro2020 display.
O’Donnell came in for some stick after Scotland’s defeat to Czech Republic.
But the Motherwell defender put in one of his best performances in a Scotland shirt at Wembley on Friday as Steve Clarke’s side held England to a 0-0 draw.
O’Donnell’s performance has reportedly attracted plenty of interest south of the border.
The Daily Mail claim Derby, Birmingham City, Blackpool, Barnsley and Blackburn Rovers are all showing an interest with O’Donnell having an exit clause at Motherwell.
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The report, however, makes little sense from a Derby perspective.
Why Derby’s link to Stephen O’Donnell is bizarre:
The Rams are currently in a transfer embargo. The EFL charges are still undecided, while owner Mel Morris remains keen to sell the club after two failed takeover bids.
Derby recently released their retained list after the 2020/21 campaign.
Only 14 senior players are contracted to the club beyond this month. Andre Wisdom, Curtis Davies and Martyn Waghorn could leave Pride Park in the next few weeks.
Derby manager Wayne Rooney has a big rebuild job on his hands.
But the right-back area isn’t one of concern. Nathan Byrne was one of Derby’s better players last season, while Kornell McDonald and Festy Ebosele are coming through.
O’Donnell would offer nothing Derby don’t already have. Moreover, at 29 and commanding a fee, it makes no sense for the Rams to sign him both short-term and long-term.
At least two new central defenders, a striker or two and a creative central midfielder must top Derby’s list of priorities this summer. Not another right-back.
Also see: Derby’s best XI from the 14 contracted players beyond June, including Euro2020 duo
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