According to The Sun, Derby County are looking to sign Chelsea’s Tariq Uwakwe who 12 months ago was the subject of a failed bid from league rivals West Bromwich Albion.
The Baggies are said to have made a move for Uwakwe during January 2019.
Chelsea, however, turned down their approach as West Brom seeked an initial loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer whereas the Blues rate him highly.
(Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images).
Derby, meanwhile, may have better luck with their six-month loan approach following their good relationship with the Premier League club.
Both Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori spent last season on loan at Pride Park. They were a huge hit – the latter winning the club’s Player of the Year award.
The duo were managed at Derby by Frank Lampard who traded the Midlands club for Stamford Bridge in the summer in a deal which the Rams felt was amicable.
While Chelsea don’t owe Derby anything, the report claims the West London club are happy to send one of their top youth prospects to Pride Park to aid his development.
Uwakwe is predominantly a midfielder who has featured six times in the Premier League 2 this season. He is strong, good on the ball and works tirelessly out of possession.
The 20-year-old penned a new contract at Chelsea last summer. He has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of Mason Mount, but he lacks experience at senior level.
(Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images).
Derby have severall midfield options including Max Bird, Krystian Bielik, Tom Huddlestone and of course Wayne Rooney. Uwakwe, however, could offer a more attacking threat.
Also see: Club reportedly braced for Derby, Stoke and Woodgate bids for 20-goal sensation
Also see: Manager says he wants deal for £2.6m Derby ace on one condition