According to John Percy at the Telegraph, Derby County are set to sign Wigan Athletic defender Nathan Byrne with the player scheduled for a medical at Pride Park.
The Rams are on the lookout for right-back cover after selling Jayden Bogle to Sheffield United.
Wigan, following their financial struggles and relegation to League One, are in a vulnerable state and Derby will be confident they can pick up Byrne for a bargain fee.
The 28-year-old won Wigan’s Player of the Year award in 2018-19, and Byrne’s former manager Paul Cook told Eurosport how the player is a popular figure for the Latics.
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Nathan has been an important player for us in my time here. He’s a popular member of the dressing room and equally so, a player that our supporters regard highly.
Derby head into the campaign short on attacking options.
Manager Phillip Cocu will be desperate to bring in some much-needed strength in the final third, with the team depleted further following the exit of Jayden Bogle.
The former Derby academy graduate posted three goals and 14 assists over the past two seasons. He will be a big miss, but in Byrne comes similar qualities.
The Wigan ace last season posted seven assists and one goal in 39 starts.
Byrne is small in stature, but his energy, willingness and experience will prove to be important factors for Derby as the Rams gear up for the new season.
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