Derby County were chasing a key target who would have helped them massively in the Championship but he has instead joined a European giant.
Derby are currently improving their squad in every position in preparation for the Championship after signing five new players.
The latest of those was midfielder Ebou Adams, who finally returned to Moor Farm permanently following his outstanding loan spell, signing a three-year contract.
Adams is one of three midfielders signed this summer, including Ben Osborn and Kenzo Goudmijn, while the additions of Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates have bolstered their attack.
There is one giant-shaped hole in their squad currently, though, and that is in goal, where Paul Warne has found it difficult to recruit a new number one.
The Rams have been linked with several names but none have materialised, and one can now be firmly crossed off the list.
Derby County target Mathew Ryan joins Serie A giants AS Roma
Derby have been on the lookout for two new goalkeepers since first-choice Joe Wildsmith and third-choice Scott Loach were released at the end of their contracts.
Warne’s decision to let Wildsmith go was purely down to wanting to improve that position, as he didn’t see the 28-year-old playing a major part in their long-term plans.
This has seen Derby register interest in Leicester City’s Daniel Iversen and former Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak, while released AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Mathew Ryan was also on their radar.
It was reported last week that the Rams were close to tying up a deal for the ex-Brighton shot-stopper however, when AS Roma came calling, there was only one destination he was choosing.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Wednesday that the European giants have tied up a deal for the ‘outstanding’ 32-year-old, with Roma’s official channels since unveiling the Australian international.
Whilst losing out on Ryan is a blow to Warne, it allows him to move onto other targets and there are plenty to choose from.
The goalkeepers Paul Warne could still sign for Derby
Warne is blessed with options in the market when looking for a new number one, and that may see him snap up Rodak, a player he worked with during his time at Rotherham.
Rodak was released from his contract at Fulham this summer and is currently on the lookout for a new club, boasting 111 Championship appearances under his belt and a promotion with the Cottagers in 2022.
Derby could also look at Ipswich Town shot-stopper Christian Walton, who is entering the final year of his contract and is surplus to requirements at Portman Road following their promotion to the Premier League.
Much like Rodak, Walton boasts a wealth of second-tier experience, having made 84 appearances at this level for the likes of Ipswich, Brighton, Blackburn and Wigan.
However, if the 28-year-old didn’t take their fancy, they could also revisit a move for Daniel Iversen at Leicester, who is said to be a long-term target for the Rams.
Iversen, aged 26, kept seven clean sheets in 18 appearances for Stoke City last term and could be a solid option for Derby to pursue.