MK Dons manager Russell Martin has confirmed how former Derby County captain Richard Keogh is in talks to sign with a Championship club this month.

Keogh joined MK Dons last summer following his dismissal at Derby.

The Republic of Ireland international was on Derby’s books since 2012 but found himself looking for a new club after being sacked with gross misconduct in October 2019.

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MK Dons took the gamble knowing Keogh, 34, was recovering from a lengthy layoff.

But the central defender has shown he still possesses plenty of quality, with Martin confirming on Saturday how a move back to the Championship is possible.

Keogh has made 17 League One starts this season. Despite his side’s struggles, the former Rams man tops the league’s passing charts with an average 91.2% success rate.

Bringing the ball out of defence was always one of Keogh’s strong points. As a ball-playing defender, he regularly topped the Championship charts too and built attacks from the back.

Derby have sorely missed an in-form peak Keogh. While Matt Clarke and Andre Wisdom have performed well of late, Keogh’s passing ability and experience set him apart.

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It remains to be seen which Championship club are in talks to sign him.

MK Dons may feel aggrieved at the situation, but Keogh’s contract is expiring, and the League One club may be better off cashing in now rather than losing him for free in six months.

Also see: 7 aerial winners; 84.9% pass completion: Only one Derby player performed well in Rotherham defeat

Also see: Lucky escape for Derby as former £2m target now ousted at Stoke reportedly lined up for exit

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