According to the East Anglian Daily Times, Derby County are rivalling Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest for Rotherham United’s influential attacker Matt Crooks.
Crooks enjoyed an excellent season for the Millers despite their relegation.
The 27-year-old posted six Championship goals and three assists in an attacking midfield role, prompting interest from Forest during the January transfer window.
Rotherham’s relegation to League One leaves them vulnerable to losing him.
The East Anglian Daily Times claim Ipswich are preparing a bid. However, they now face significant competition from Derby who want to sign the 6ft 4inch player.
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Derby are gearing up for a busy summer. Manager Wayne Rooney has a big rebuild job on his hands with both the defence and final third lacking numbers.
Crooks can operate out wide or behind the striker in a number 10 role.
Rotherham boss Paul Warne called him the driving force of the side after Crooks won the Championship Player of the Month award last January.
“He’s a real driving force for the team, obviously he has got the goals which is great too. His taking on of information has really improved too, for example during a recent game there was a corner where he dropped into the zone and cleared the ball off the line with a header,” Warne told www.themillers.co.uk.
Derby’s lack of attacking options:
Derby finished as the lowest scorers in the Championship last season.
Colin Kazim-Richards turns 35 in August. Lee Gregory has since returned to Stoke City after his loan spell, while Martyn Waghorn is out of contract this summer.
Crooks would be an excellent addition for the Rams. However, it remains to be seen what sort of budget Rooney has this summer amid EFL charges and the potential takeover.
Also see: Report provides transfer update on £12.5m striker Derby tried to sign in January
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