Derby County are finally set to end their long-awaited search for a new goalkeeper as Jacob Widell Zetterstrom prepares to make the transfer switch this week.
The Rams have been hunting for a new shot-stopper since Joe Wildsmith left the club as a free agent earlier this year – eventually joining up with West Bromwich Albion.
Plenty of links have arisen over potential candidates, but Paul Warne entered the new Championship campaign with Josh Vickers as his number-one choice.
That was largely due to a delay in sorting out a deal for Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, with the saga dragging through most of the past month.
Derby agreed a deal with Swedish outfit Djurgardens to land Zetterstrom, but the move included the chance to stay at his current club for their Europa Conference League qualifiers.
Victory over FC Progres helped earn a place in the following round, where they have since taken on Finnish outfit Ilves – drawing the first leg away 1-1.
Zetterstrom is set to play his final match for the club on Thursday in the second leg, hopeful of sending them through to the next stage.
Jacob Widell Zetterstrom discusses Derby County transfer
Ahead of what could be his final game for Djurgardens, Zetterstrom has discussed his move to Derby this summer.
Speaking to Fotbollskanalen, the goalkeeper said: “It seems that it is done… It’s a big club.
“It is a club that had over 30,000 at their matches when they were in League One. It is a long-standing association and a fantastic opportunity.
“So it will be incredibly fun. I have followed the Championship my whole life.”
The 26-year-old also revealed that he has held conversations with Derby manager Warne over a switch to Pride Park.
“I have spoken to him and he seems like a great guy and I think it will be a lot of fun to play for him,” Zetterstrom said. “I look forward to it.”
It comes as a huge boost for the Rams, who seem set to move one step closer to securing their squad for the season.
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Derby County transfer priorities
So with Derby now set to add a goalkeeper to their ranks, the club is closer to having the team desired for the season ahead.
Beyond adding Zetterstrom, the Rams should look to bolster their attacking ranks next, with more goals required to help stave off relegation.
A striker is a particular position that Warne has outlined as an option to strengthen, with Cauley Woodrow linked with a switch to Derby.
Another winger or number ten could also be on the cards, though Derby did miss out on Karamoko Dembele.