Derby County’s long wait for a new goalkeeper looks set to end in the coming weeks as a transfer finally appears imminent.
The Rams have been on the hunt for a new number one, with Joe Wildsmith leaving Pride Park as a free agent this summer.
In his two years at the club, the former Sheffield Wednesday shot-stopper became a reliable option between the sticks, but the inability to agree a new contract meant it was time to look at new players.
Josh Vickers is the only senior option in the squad as rumours circulated about potential deals for Daniel Iversen and Marek Rodak.
However, it appears as though Derby have finally settled on their next goalkeeper, with Swedish international Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.
Reports have claimed that Derby have agreed a £1.4million deal with Djurgardens for Zetterstrom this summer.
While those are just what the reports say, his club chief Bosse Andersson appears to have confirmed the move altogether.
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Bosse Andersson confirms Jacob Widell Zetterstrom to Derby transfer
In an interview with Swedish outlet Aftonbladet, Djurgardens sporting director Andersson has discussed Zetterstrom’s impending move to Pride Park.
“It is perhaps more natural that he should leave,” the club chief said. “We signed Malkolm [Nilsson Säfqvist, goalkeeper] last winter and Jacob [Widell Zetterstrom] has been here for a long time.
“We have had discussions for quite some time. It is unfortunate when you submit the Uefa cup [Europa Conference League] list and you are in sharp negotiations.
“It’s probably the week you don’t want sharp negotiations, so it’s clear that it’s a challenge.
“But there the starting point is a little different.
“I am completely convinced that he will play in Derby, but that transfer may not happen in the next few weeks.”
With some big games around the corner, it appears as though there will be a bit of a wait before the Rams have their new glovesman available.
- READ MORE: Jacob Widell Zetterstrom makes ‘dream’ admission amid rumoured £1.4m Derby County transfer
Paul Warne’s Derby goalkeeper concerns
One thing that is clear surrounding Derby’s move for Zetterstrom is that it hasn’t been an easy deal to discuss.
Not least due to Djurgardens’ involvement in the Europa Conference League qualifiers, with their next round of fixtures kicking off on Thursday.
The Swedish outfit are in the second round of qualifying, with two legs against FC Progres finishing on August 1st.
Should they progress to the third round of qualifying, those matches take place on August 8th and August 15th.
It realises the concern that Paul Warne hinted at earlier last week when talking to BBC Radio Derby, claiming: “There’s been a target in mind for weeks now but, there’s a complication to it which will become very evident once he signs hopefully but if not we have to persevere with another target.”
It appears as though, for now, fans will have to wait slightly longer for the deal to be made official, with twists and turns more than capable of occurring.