Derby County sent clear £7m transfer message after John Eustace plea - but 'too much money' claim made | OneFootball

Derby County boss John Eustace has confirmed he wants to keep Bobby Clark at the club following his successful loan from RB Salzburg.

Derby County have enjoyed a positive first full season under the guidance of John Eustace, with a top six finish still a possibility for the club.

Even if the Rams fall short, which looks likely, there’s no denying they have made major progress under Eustace, and there will be a belief at Pride Park that they’re a club heading in the right direction.

Whilst Eustace deserves huge credit for the work he has done, the recruitment team have also made some shrewd signings in recent years.

Jacob Widell Zetterstrom and Patrick Agyemang are the two standout additions, with the duo likely to be sold for significant profit down the line when they eventually move on.

And, Bobby Clark is another impressive addition, with the attacking midfielder having flourished this season following his arrival on loan from RB Salzburg.

Derby County told to push to sign Bobby Clark permanently

The 21-year-old was highly-rated having come through the ranks at Liverpool, but he understandably had to leave for first-team football, yet his move to Austria didn’t go to plan.

Therefore, Clark will be loving life in the east Midlands, and he faces an uncertain future, as he is due to return to Salzburg at the end of the campaign.

But, a summer move could be on the cards, and given how he has settled at Derby, it’s natural to think a permanent transfer could suit all parties, with Eustace already making it clear that he wants Clark to extend his stay.

So, you would expect the Rams to try and reach an agreement with Salzburg, but when asked by FLW about how much the club should be willing to pay, Derby fan pundit Shaun Woodward felt a £7m offer would be fair, although he expressed fears others could financially beat them to Clark’s signature.

“I really think we need to make this happen. I think he’s probably going to be out of our price range, particularly with Patrick Agyemang’s injury, as we won’t be able to sell him for big-money for at least another year or so.

“But, I do think it’s worth putting in a bid, if we can afford it, of £7m. Well, I think he’d be going for the £5m to £10m mark, so if we could get him for £7m then I’d be more than happy.

“Clark’s only going to get better as he gets older, he has had a great season for us, and he’s going to improve. As good as he’s been, he could get his stats up a bit, and he does create lots of chances, but he does need to add more goals and assists to his game, which I think he will do next season.

“I think there’s a really good player there, and if we could get him for £7m, I think we could sell him for double that if he has a couple of good seasons with us, so I’d love to see that deal happen, but I just worry that teams who get relegated from the Premier League, or top teams in our league, will have too much money for us to compete.”

Bobby Clark would be a statement signing for Derby County

As mentioned, Derby are looking good under Eustace, who has implemented a clear style of play that has got the most out of the group.

He will still be pushing the players to come in the top six, but Derby are likely to be playing Championship football again next season, and, with the play-offs expanding by two teams, Eustace will be aiming for a top eight finish.

To do that, more quality will need to be added to the squad, and keeping Clark is a priority if it’s at all possible.

The England youth international has developed a lot in the past nine months, and the fact he is a nominee for the Young Player of the Year award in the Championship demonstrates that.

Most would agree that a deal will be difficult to do, as such form means he won’t have gone unnoticed, but Derby’s connection with Clark could give them an advantage.

Either way, a permanent move from Salzburg seems likely, and it would be a real coup for Derby if they can secure Clark on a long-term basis.