Derby County & Wrexham facing Premier League competition in Liverpool FC transfer hunt | OneFootball

The defender has worked with Derby boss John Eustace before.

Derby County and Wrexham are set to face competition from Premier League clubs in their respective pursuits of Liverpool full-back Owen Beck.

While Beck's first Championship campaign with Blackburn Rovers last time out was slightly spoiled by injuries and suspensions, it was strong enough to keep teams from the division interested ahead of this summer.

John Eustace, the man that brought him to Blackburn last summer, is reportedly looking to reunite with the left-back this summer. The Derby boss wants a repeat of the loan move that saw him move to Ewood Park last August, according to Football Insider.

The newest Welsh addition to the Championship are also reported to be keen on signing Beck from the Reds. They, too, would like to see the defender, who is from the local area and the great nephew of Ian Rush, former Liverpool and Wrexham centre-forward, as per the Daily Mail.

A move back to his hometown for Beck could be greenlit after Arne Slot's side complete their £40 million move for AFC Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.

Derby and Wrexham to face Premier League competition in Owen Beck chase

It isn't set to be a two-horse race for Beck's signature, though. Top flight sides are expected to challenge Derby and Wrexham in the race for Beck, according to The Athletic. The 22-year-old is even being eyed by some of his parent club's league rivals.

Sides from the Scottish Premiership, where Beck has also previously enjoyed a temporary spell away from Merseyside, are also reported to be keen on signing him by the online outlet.

The Welshman could leave Liverpool on loan again, but there is also the possibility of him being bought by one of his suitors this summer, as per The Athletic.

John Eustace relationship could sway Owen Beck race in Derby's favour

This battleground pitting top flight sides against Wrexham will be nothing new to the Hollywood-owned side.

It was reported by Sky Sports that they are expected to compete with the three teams coming down from the Premier League - Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton - for transfer targets this summer.

They have already been linked with a number of Premier League talents ahead of their first season in the Championship.

That level of pulling power, plus the hometown connection, may sway Beck into leaning towards Wrexham.

Derby will be able to put up a strong fight too. They will hope that the pre-existing connection that the Liverpool defender has with their boss will give them a leg up in the race to secure the 22-year-old's services.

After a season that was cut short by a hamstring injury, game-time may be near the top of Beck's priority list. Derby are surely more likely to be able to guarantee regular minutes to the Welshman.