According to The Sun (September 25, Page 55), Derby County are rivalling Watford and Bournemouth for free agent Jordan Obita following his exit from Reading.
The talented left-back is without a club after departing the Royals in the summer.
Obita, 26, has only managed 23 Championship appearances over the past three seasons after suffering a knee ligament injury in 2017.
The former England youth international is in need of a fresh start.
The Sun claim Derby, Watford and Bournemouth are keen to sign him.
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Derby sold left-back Max Lowe to Sheffield United in a deal including Jayden Bogle while fellow left-back Scott Malone joined Gary Rowett’s Millwall on loan.
The Rams are left with Craig Forsyth, 31 and trying to regain previous form after ACL injuries, and academy graduate Lee Buchanan in his first full season as a senior.
It’s a potential area for concern for Derby, and one they may strengthen ahead of the deadline.
Obita has plenty of ability and as a former winger, he likes to get forward to support the attack.
Former Reading manager Jaap Stam claimed he ticked many boxes during his time at the Madejski, highlighting his excellent passing range and delivery from set-pieces.
With Nathan Byrne impressing on the opposite flank, another athletic fullback could give Derby that much-needed pace and directness to penetrate the opposition.
Phillip Cocu’s side have been guilty of slow possession and overplaying this season. But with quicker players and extra quality, the potential is there to really push on.
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