Derby County are yet to send any players out on loan this summer.
The Rams have parted ways with seven players who were released following their promotion, but have so far kept hold of all their promising youngsters.
The club sent ten players out on loan across last season’s two transfer windows, with one proving extremely successful.
Dajaune Brown joined Gateshead in January and quickly caught the eye, scoring 10 goals in 20 matches for the National League club, including a last gasp equaliser to help them lift the FA Trophy in May.
The striker has since attracted plenty of interest and could have many options of where to spend the 2024/25 season.
However, Paul Warne has now shared his stance on Brown’s future and has admitted he is in ‘no rush’ to let him leave.
Paul Warne says he would be ‘stupid’ not to give Dajaune Brown a chance
Speaking to the club, Warne said: “That’s a really good question that we ask ourselves most of the time.
“I normally get at least one phone call about him a day about some club who wants to sign him. I’m in no rush to let him go, but I also don’t want to hinder his progress. So unfortunately, you know, Derby comes before a player. That’s the honest truth. So at this moment in time, he’s staying within the camp until otherwise.
“But I think today, like the ball from Ozzy (Ben Osborn), another day he might have had a brace. In a game where there was very little clear cut chances, he was a part too, so that’s really positive for him. But these games are different to when the real ball turns up, so we have to prepare everyone for that.
“But I don’t pick people by reputation. If he’s the best striker in the building, I’d be stupid not to play him. But he’s got a long way to go.”
The 18-year-old needs another loan spell
Brown showed great promise at Gateshead and will undoubtedly be a very good striker in years to come.
However, the additions of Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates would surely limit Brown’s minutes with the senior squad.
While injuries and cup performances could earn himself a chance with the first-team, it feels like it would be a mistake to keep him around.
Brown is ready to build on a superb loan spell up north and should be given the opportunity to impress further up the football pyramid, rather than spending every weekend on the bench.
Derby can still give themselves the option to recall him, but bringing him back into the senior squad this time next year could be much more affective.