According to the Northern Echo, Derby County and Middlesbrough have held a series of talks with Chelsea over the signing of Baba Rahman on loan.
The transfer deadline closes today at 5pm, leaving clubs in a race against time.
A previous report last week in the Daily Mail claimed Derby, Middlesbrough and Watford were all keen on signing Chelsea’s Rahman on loan.
And now, the Northern Echo say the Rams and Boro have held multiple talks as they try to conclude a deal, while a loan is likely to happen in the coming hours.
Rahman, a left-back, has been on Chelsea’s books for five years.
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The 26-year-old, however, is out of contract with the Blues next summer and his path to a first-team spot has been blocked by the arrival of Ben Chilwell.
Rahman has spent the past three years out on loan. That said, he was highly rated at Stamford Bridge, with former boss Jose Mourinho singing his praises.
“Baba is really good with the ball, he’s very fast,” Mourinho said. “He’s a good player for sure and we trust him.”
Derby sold left-back Max Lowe to Premier League side Sheffield United in the summer, while Scott Malone left on loan to join fellow Championship side Millwall.
The Rams have started the season with Craig Forsyth and academy graduate Lee Buchanan as their primary left-back options. But there is scope for improvement.
Rahman is quick, experienced and needs a place where he can feel at home.
Due to his contract situation, both Derby and Boro could look at him as a possible long-term option as the Ghana international seems likely to depart Stamford Bridge permanently next year.
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