According to TEAMtalk, Brentford have won the race to sign former Watford youngster Lewis Gordon ahead of both Derby County and Nottingham Forest.
The Scotland U19 international has been a free agent after leaving Watford this summer.
TEAMtalk claim Lewis has held talks with a host of clubs including the Rams, Forest and Premier League side Burnley, but he has chosen to join Brentford.
The talented youngster is predominantly a left-back, which makes the links to the Rams somewhat questionable considering it’s an area where Derby have plenty of options.
One of Phillip Cocu’s biggest selection headaches this season will come at left-back.
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Craig Forsyth extended his contract at the end of last season for another year. The Scotland international has height, strength and plenty of experience at Championship level.
Academy product Max Lowe shared first-team duties with Forsyth last season. Lowe has come on leaps and bounds following a successful loan spell at Aberdeen.
But the latest player to feature at left-back is Lee Buchanan, another graduate. The youngster started the final game of last season at Birmingham City.
Buchanan is raw. However, he has speed, energy and a willingness to get forward.
One left-back who won’t be featuring for Derby this season is Scott Malone. Signed by Frank Lampard in 2018, Malone has since been loaned to Millwall.
The 29-year-old’s contract at Derby expires in 2021. Providing Derby don’t suffer an injury crisis at left-back, it’s likely Malone has already played his last game for the club.
Also see: Report: League rivals agree deal for Derby player Lampard dubbed integral at Pride Park
Also see: “See what the next step is”: Boss responds to reports Derby and Owls want £10m ace