Derby County, Huddersfield Town and Swansea City are among several Championship clubs reportedly watching Fleetwood Town midfielder Kyle Dempsey, Football Insider report.
The 24-year-old has been instrumental in Fleetwood’s surge up the table.
But just who is the reported Championship target lighting up League One? Here we look at five aspects about the player, including praise from his manager Joey Barton.
Joey Barton is a big fan:
Fleetwood boss Barton claims Dempsey could be the best player in League One. He told the Blackpool Gazette last month how he has made huge strides from last season.
If Kyle Dempsey is playing like that, that is the reason the fans were on my case when he was not in the side last year and the chairman. But the player he was last year and the player he is this year are different players. The player this year could be the best player in the division.
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What is Dempsey’s best role?
Dempsey is described as a ‘midfield dynamo’ in Football Insider’s report. While he is now predominantly a holding midfielder, he can push further forward.
He averages 1.6 tackles and 1.3 shots per League One encounter.
Humble beginnings:
Dempsey started his career at Carlisle United in a more advanced role. He made over 50 appearances for the club, scoring ten League Two goals in the 2014-15 campaign.
A return to Huddersfield Town?
Dempsey signed for Huddersfield on a three-year deal back in 2015. However, he made just 21 Championship appearances in two years before leaving for Fleetwood.
It’s ironic the Terriers are among the clubs linked with him.
Contract situation:
The Fleetwood ace’s contract at Highbury expires next summer. It gives the likes of Derby and Swansea the opportunity to strike a potential bargain in January.
The League One club know they can’t compete financially with the likes of the Rams. And the chance of promotion to the Premier League will be a huge pull for the player.
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