Exclusive: Striker who has just left Derby County wanted by EFL clubs | OneFootball

The highly-rated 20-year-old has already featured for a star-studded England youth team

Football League World can exclusively reveal a number of EFL League One and League Two clubs are ready to swoop for a recently departed Derby County striker.

John Eustace's side finished this past Championship season four points shy of a play-off place, in eighth, and will be hoping to climb even further up the table next term.

In truth, the Rams' hopes of a stronger 26/27 push could be boosted considerably if the much‑discussed investment deal involving Saudi billionaire Turki Alalshikh gets approved.

However, there’s another development coming out of Pride Park, as one of Derby’s young talents who reached the end of his contract is now attracting interest from several clubs outside the second tier.

League One and League Two clubs chasing free-agent Derby County striker Lennon Wheeldon

As FLW understands, multiple League One and League Two clubs are circling former Derby County striker Lennon Wheeldon following the 20-year-old's departure from Pride Park.

Wheeldon, who made his Championship debut against Swansea City in 24/25, impressed for the Rams in the EFL Cup this season during a 27-minute cameo versus West Brom.

Yet he was one of a number of players from Derby’s Under-21 squad who saw their contracts come to an end this summer, with the club confirming on 15th May that the striker had not been offered new terms as part of their retained list announcement.

The Rams academy graduate joined South Shields on what was initially a month-long loan in November 2025, with the move repeatedly extended as he established himself in the Mariners’ front line.

Across the campaign, Wheeldon racked up 37 appearances in all competitions and scored seven goals as South Shields pushed for a first-ever promotion to the fifth tier.

The National League North side had to settle for the play-offs despite ending the season in second place, on 95 points. They were beaten 2-0 by Kidderminster Harriers in the final.

Factoring this in with his previous experience in the England youth set up, it is not difficult to see why Wheeldon's situation has prompted a flurry of interest from clubs in the third and fourth tiers.

Why League One and League Two clubs are circling Lennon Wheeldon

The young forward earned his first call-up to the England Under-19 squad early in the 24/25 season, playing three times and netting his first international goal against France.

That very same England youth squad included the likes of Tyler Dibling, who completed a reported £40m move to Everton last year, and Tottenham's Mikey Moore, who spent 25/26 on loan at Rangers.

As for Wheeldon, he had previously caught the eye at Derby with a hat-trick in a 5-2 victory over Liverpool's Under-18s, and seemed to be one of the most promising forwards coming through the youth system at Moor Farm.

So, there's no doubting the reasons why Wheeldon is becoming highly sought after by both League One and League Two clubs this summer.

As someone of his potential - and recent track record of scoring goals in men's football - it would be a real coup for many looking to add some young, hungry depth to their strike force.