Northampton Town manager Keith Curle claims Derby County target David Cornell has the talent to play at a higher level, Northampton Chronicle report.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper is available on a free after seeing out his contract.
Cornell made 38 appearances for the Cobblers this season. However, he lost his place just before the League Two playoff campaign which Keith Curle’s side won.
According to Football Insider, Derby are keen on the Welshman.
Speaking to reports, Curle believes Cornell has the talent to play in the Championship.
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“Without going into the details, in my opinion, Dai needed a new challenge. That’s a conversation I had with him and fair play to him because a lot of things we spoke about, he agreed with. Potentially, Dai could go and play at a higher level and compete at a higher level but I think the timing was right for him as an individual to go and test himself in new surroundings.”
The Rams will need to bolster their goalkeeping options this summer:
Ben Hamer is currently on loan from Huddersfield Town, while former number one Kelle Roos lost his place earlier this season after a succession of mistakes.
Phillip Cocu’s Derby build attacks from the back. A goalkeeper comfortable in possession is necessary, and it’s an area Hamer has struggled with at times.
Football Insider claim Birmingham City and Ipswich Town are also interested in Cornell.
The Welshman has experience higher up the ladder with Swansea City. He will want to test himself above League Two, having proven his quality this season.
Cornell faced Derby for Northampton in the fourth round of the FA Cup this season. The Cobblers held the Rams to a 0-0 draw before losing the replay 4-2.
