"More than happy" - Derby County urged to raid "average" Barnsley for 10-goal player | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk‘ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Derby County are preparing for life back in the Championship after their promotion from the third tier of English football.

The Rams will return to the second tier next season following a two-year absence after finishing in second place in League One this season, and it seems that work has already started to strengthen the squad.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Derby are interested in Barnsley midfielder Herbie Kane, who is expected to leave the Tykes at the end of his contract this summer.

Kane has spent the last four seasons at Oakwell since joining from Liverpool in October 2020, and he starred this campaign as the Tykes reached the play-offs, but they were beaten by Bolton Wanderers in the semi-finals.

After Barnsley's failure to win promotion, Kane is said to be keen to make the move to the Championship, and the Rams could open talks with the 25-year-old in the near future.

Derby County fan pundit would welcome potential Herbie Kane signing

FLW's Derby County fan pundit Shaun Woodward believes that Kane would be a good signing for the Rams, and he believes he is a player that could improve the club's starting 11.

"I'd be more than happy for Herbie Kane to come in to Derby, especially if it's on a free transfer," Shaun said.

"He's at a good age in his mid-20's, he's had a very good season for Barnsley in quite an average side really.

"I know they ended up getting in the play-offs and could have potentially beaten Bolton, but they had a poor end to the season.

"He always looked good when I saw him play, I think the fans liked him and I think they were a bit confused at times about why he wasn't playing towards the end of the season. "I'd be more than happy for him to come to Derby, he's added goals to his game this season as well.

"He looks a good little player, and he's someone that could definitely improve our squad, potentially our starting XI, so I'd be happy to get him, especially if it was on a free."

Derby County must pursue Herbie Kane deal this summer

It is a big summer for Derby following their promotion to the Championship, and there is no doubt that upgrades to the squad are required if they are to be competitive in the second tier.

There could be changes in the midfield department at Pride Park this summer, with Liam Thompson, Louie Sibley, Conor Hourihane and Korey Smith all out of contract, while Max Bird will link up with divisional rivals Bristol City.

Tyrese Fornah's future is also uncertain, and it remains to be seen whether the Rams will be able to bring Ebou Adams back from Cardiff City after his successful loan spell, so midfield additions may be needed.

It is difficult to disagree with Shaun that Kane would strengthen Derby's existing midfield options, and his impressive return of nine goals and five assists this season underlines the attacking threat he would bring to Pride Park.

There may be some question marks over whether Kane can make the step up to the Championship, but he deserves an opportunity after his strong performances in League One in recent years, and at the age of 25, he has plenty of room for further improvement, so it would be a no-brainer for the Rams to complete a deal for him on a free transfer.