According to The Athletic, Derby County defender Callum Minkley has rejected the offer of a new contract and will leave in the quest for first-team football.
The Rams recently released their retained list.
Several players are set to depart, leaving Derby with just 14 senior players under contract.
The defence is currently a worry for manager Wayne Rooney. Both Curtis Davies and Andre Wisdom have yet to sign new deals and could leave in the coming weeks.
Teden Mengi, George Edmundson and Matt Clarke have all left after loan spells at Pride Park, leaving Derby without a single recognised central defender under contract.
But despite the situation, Derby have failed to provide assurances to Minkley.
MORE DERBY STORIES
The Athletic claim the Rams couldn’t guarantee the 20-year-old would be in the senior squad next season. As a result, Minkley has declined a contract extension and will leave.
Minkley came through the Derby youth teams, first featuring at U18 level.
Minkley made nine appearances for the U23s in the Premier League 2 division this past season, scoring once. He can operate at centre-back or at right-back.
Derby owner Mel Morris spoke of having half the first-team squad made up of academy players. And for those that don’t make it, to help find them clubs in the football pyramid.
After gaining experience playing against the best youngsters in England, Minkley should have opportunities to start over down in League Two or at National League level.
Also see: Report: Top-flight club agree to sign Derby talent despite Rams new contract offer
Also see: Report: Derby likely to sign ‘excellent’ player on loan after preserving Championship status