Derby County boss Paul Warne has given some further comments on one of the club’s most in demand players.
Derby County are yet to make any signings this month, but on a positive note, they’re yet to sell any players.
It looked as though this month would be a battle against clubs higher up in the English football pyramid, and whilst it remains so, it’s slowly starting to look like player sales are unlikely this month.
Anything can change, obviously. But right now there seems to be no pressing interest in any of Derby County’s star players, like Max Bird.
The midfielder was wanted by Hull City last summer and reports leading into this month suggested that Liam Rosenior’s side would try for Bird again this month.
Paul Warne desperate for Derby County to keep Max Bird
The 23-year-old Derby academy graduate has played another starring role for the Rams this season, appearing 21 times in League One so far, with two goals and five assists to his name.
He remains out of contract in the summer, though it’s been revealed that Derby County would receive a substantial compensation fee for him even if he leaves as a free agent.
Still, it’s said that the Rams are keen on extending his deal and understandably so.
Speaking on Bird, Warne told BBC Radio Derby:
“He is a player I’d like to keep. I love Max. It would help me no end to try and keep him if we went up a league because he is a Championship midfielder, I think. And he believes he is a Championship midfielder, and so he should.
“I know there are clubs that like him, and so they should.”
Warne also went on to reveal that Derby County owner David Clowes supports the club wanting to keep hold of Bird.
“David has been really supportive of the fact we want to keep our best player to give ourselves the best chance,” Warne said.
“Unless it is a mind-blowing offer, Max is essential to the success of this club. So I’m hopeful that by the time the end of the season comes around we could have got into a position where everyone is happy.”
Rams now facing all or nothing 2023/24 campaign
Derby County remain in a very strong league position, currently sitting in 3rd place of the League One table; level on points with Peterborough United in 2nd and one behind leaders Portsmouth.
There’s still a mountain to climb, but right now the Rams are on track to challenge for automatic promotion to the Championship.
And securing promotion would surely be a massive boost in the club trying to secure the futures of players like Bird and Eiran Cashin.
Missing out on promotion though would surely see the duo leave; Bird definitely, as he’d be a free agent, and likely Cashin too.
So for Warne and Derby County, this second half of the season is a hugely important one.
Failing in their quest for promotion would bring about another squad rebuild with Bird and Cashin key parts of the Rams’ spine, and replacing them certainly won’t be easy.
Up next is a trip to Lincoln City tomorrow afternoon; the Imps are winless in their last seven League One fixtures now, having lost 3-1 at Pride Park just last month.