Derby County and West Ham facing new Bobby Clark transfer threat | OneFootball

Derby and West Ham have both been linked with a deal to sign Bobby Clark this summer

Derby County will be seeking a permanent deal for Bobby Clark in the summer after his successful loan stint.

The midfielder joined from RB Salzburg on loan last year, and he went on to become an integral part of John Eustace’s side.

The former Liverpool youngster featured 33 times in the Championship, with the team finishing eighth in the table.

He contributed three goals and three assists, with the Rams missing out on a play-off place by just four points.

However, it has been claimed that West Ham are also interested in signing Clark following their relegation from the Premier League.

The 21-year-old’s future is set to become the subject of major transfer speculation this summer following the end of his loan spell at Pride Park.

Derby County and West Ham braced for Bobby Clark transfer competition

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It has been reported by Derbyshire Live that at least half-a-dozen clubs are keen on the signing of Clark from RB Salzburg this summer.

Eustace previously claimed that he’d be keen to keep the midfielder at Pride Park beyond his loan spell, but the Rams are now facing stiff competition for his signature.

West Ham are among the possible suitors, although it is unclear if any other Championship sides are keen on a deal.

Rangers have also been linked with a move for the 21-year-old, with Danny Rohl looking to bolster his side after an underwhelming third place finish in the Premiership this season.

Derby will be hoping that his successful loan spell will help the club win the race to his signature, but it’s unclear what the player’s preference is at this stage.

It’s believed that there is no shortage of potential options for the midfielder, who helped the club compete for a play-off place in 2025/26.

Eustace’s side finished eighth in the table, and missed out on a top six position by just four points.

However, another top eight result next year will be good enough for the play-offs, with the competition expanding from 2026/27 to include two further teams.

The possibility of competing for a place in the top flight with Derby could help swing the race for his signature in their favour.

But the Hammers will be one of the favourites for automatic promotion under Nuno Espirito Santo after coming 18th in the Premier League table with 39 points.

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Derby have their work cut out for them to sign Clark

Derby can put forward a strong case to Clark for him to stay with the club as he worked quite well under Eustace, and earned a lot of plaudits for his performances.

The Rams are also clearly a side with a positive trajectory, having gone from 19th in the table to eighth over the last 12 months, while also investing in the first team squad.

However, the possibility of playing for a promotion-chasing West Ham could be quite tempting, and Rangers will be able to offer European football and the chance at major honours.

It will require a lot of work from Derby to fend off all of these interested parties for Clark, and it may necessitate spending a lot to ensure he stays.