Derby County plot move to sign star likened to David Alaba | OneFootball

The Rams are said to be keen on a new left-back ahead of the January transfer window

Derby County are reportedly eyeing up a January move for American left-back George Bello ahead of the transfer window opening in just a few days time.

The Rams have already been active in trying to get new players into John Eustace's squad for the remainder of the 2025-26 season and beyond, with reports suggesting that Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Oscar Fraulo is on the verge of becoming a new addition at Pride Park, for a compensation package of between €300,000 and €400,000.

Eustace may not be stopping there though when it comes to new additions in the mid-season window though, with a new defender now said to be on the radar.

Derby County interested in former USA international George Bello

According to a report from Football Insider, Derby are keen on former USA international full-back George Bello - currently plying his trade in the Austrian Bundesliga with second-placed side LASK.

The 23-year-old is said to be valued at £1.5 million by his club, as per the report, and that has alerted a number of Championship, as well as Scottish Premiership clubs, to his potential availability this coming January.

Bello, who has been likened to David Alaba, started out his professional career with MLS side Atlanta United, playing 59 times for the Georgia-based outfit before making the move to Europe with Arminia Bielefeld in January 2022.

He spent just 18 months in Germany though before joining LASK in the summer of 2023, where he has been a regular fixture ever since - Bello has also notched three assists on top of a goal in his 15 domestic Austrian league outings in 2025-26, swapping between a left-back role in a back four and as a wing-back.

Derby County's current left wing-back options as George Bello eyed up

John Eustace has opted to use wing-backs more often than not as opposed to a back four this season, and that would suit Bello down to the ground, given he's often operated in that area of the pitch for LASK.

Liverpool loanee Owen Beck signed in the summer and was expected to be a key player in that role for Derby, but he hasn't made an appearance for the Rams due to an ongoing injury issue, which will see his loan deal terminated when the January window opens.

It's been more often than not up to Callum Elder to fill the void therefore at left wing-back, and he's performed reasonably well for County, with three assists from his 19 Championship outings.

With Beck heading back to Anfield though, Derby will need some fresh competition for Elder - and Nigeria-born Bello may fit the bill.