According to Football Insider, Derby County are seeking a deal for free agent Joe Hart in order to strengthen their goalkeeper options next season.
Hart is currently without a club following his contract expiry at Burnley.
The former England number one has struggled for regular playing time since Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola moved him out of the Etihad reckoning.
But Guardiola insists Hart remains a top goalkeeper, telling reporters back in 2018 how the 33-year-old is ‘incredible’ in an interview with ESPN.
Hart has a familiar former teammate in Wayne Rooney at Pride Park while he knows Derby goalkeeping coach Shay Given from the Irishman’s time at City.
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Derby must look at bringing in another goalkeeper this summer:
Kelle Roos started the 2019-20 campaign as Derby’s number one. However, the Dutchman lost his first-team place to Ben Hamer after questionable performances.
Hamer arrived on loan from Huddersfield Town last summer. But his chances of remaining at Pride Park are slim after he was also dropped following a succession of errors.
The Rams lack a top number one, and a goalkeeper who gives the defence confidence.
Hart may not be a long-term solution. However, at 33, he still has a few years left and the former City man must be itching for one last opportunity to prove himself.
Some question Hart’s potential wage demands, but the shot-stopper is unlikely to receive a money-spinning move abroad or a quick Premier League return.
The Championship may be his best bet and Derby are certainly in the market.
Also see: Derby reportedly join league rivals for £2.5m ace dubbed ‘hell of a player’ by former boss
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