Southend United manager Mark Molesley has suggested that young attacking midfielder Isaac Hutchinson is close to joining Derby County, the Echo report.
The 20-year-old is regarded as one of Southend’s prized assets.
But following a year of turmoil, Hutchinson is set for a move away from Roots Hall with the Echo claiming a switch to Derby County is almost complete.
Speaking to reporters, Molesley admits the youngster is likely on his way.
It’s no secret that Isaac’s potentially close to maybe leaving the football club but until that happens I won’t be commenting too much further. Until then he’s very much a Southend player.
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Hutchinson has had an interesting start to his footballing career.
Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or out wide, the former Brighton and Hove Albion man says he rejected a move to Sparta Prague before signing with Southend.
Sparta, one of Czech Republic’s biggest clubs, are regular title challengers and have recent spells in both the Champions League and Europa League.
Derby’s interest in Hutchinson may stem from Liam Rosenior’s knowledge of him during his spell at Brighton, first as a player and then later a coach.
Hutchinson is likely to be first and foremost a signing for the U23s. However, similar to Bobby Duncan, a decent spell with Derby’s youth team will earn him first-team chances.
Rams boss Phillip Cocu hasn’t been shy in giving Derby’s youngsters playing time.
Jason Knight, Max Bird and Louie Sibley are regulars while Morgan Whittaker, Lee Buchanan and Jahmal Hector-Ingram have also tasted Championship football this season.
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