Derby County face West Ham threat as new Bobby Clark update emerges | OneFootball

Derby County are facing competition in the race to sign Bobby Clark from RB Salzburg

Derby County narrowly missed out on a play-off place this season under John Eustace.

The Rams were in the mix on the final day, but a 2-1 loss to Sheffield United led to the team coming four points adrift of sixth place Hull City.

The club will now be keen to bolster the first team squad over the summer to ensure they can maintain a top eight position in the Championship, with the play-offs expanding in 2027 to include an extra two teams.

One key move could be a permanent move for Bobby Clark, who spent the season on loan from RB Salzburg.

The midfielder proved a key figure for Eustace’s side, contributing three goals and three assists from 42 appearances in the league.

However, it is far from guaranteed that Derby will be able to get a deal over the line at this stage.

Derby County face new threat in Bobby Clark pursuit

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Reputable West Ham insider ExWHUEmployee has claimed that the club are interested in a deal for Clark this summer, in what could be a big blow to Derby.

He’s claimed that the midfielder is on the Hammers’ radar, as they look to bolster their options for life in the Championship next season after they finished 18th in the Premier League table.

“An interesting option who also had a loan spell and has return to his parent club now is Bobby Clark who was at loan at Derby County last year,” said the insider, via The West Ham Way.

“He is 21 home grown but currently plays for Red Bull Salzburg.

“He is the son of former Newcastle and Sunderland midfielder Lee Clark.

“He is also at a reasonable price.”

Clark made the move to Derby last summer, and he proved a crucial part of the team following his arrival.

Eustace has made it clear that the Rams are interested in a permanent deal for the 21-year-old.

However, they are also facing competition from Rangers, who are looking to bounce back after a disappointing third place finish in the Scottish Premiership.

It remains to be seen what kind of fee it would take RB Salzburg to cash in on this interest in Clark.

The youngster signed for the Austrian side in the 2024 summer transfer window, and has made a total of 17 appearances in the Bundesliga since then.

However, he came through the ranks of the Liverpool academy system, meaning he would occupy a homegrown slot for any English side.

West Ham are preparing for a promotion push next season, with Nuno Espirito Santo aiming to win a place back in the Premier League.

The Irons haven’t competed in the Championship since 2012, and the Portuguese coach’s last experience at this level came when he led Wolves to promotion in 2018.

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Bobby Clark could be tempted by West Ham switch

Clark enjoyed a strong season on loan with Derby, and he worked well under Eustace, so it’s very possible he’ll want to keep that going and remain at Pride Park.

However, a move to West Ham will be appealing as they will be one of the favourites for automatic promotion, and that is a pathway to Premier League football.

Given he is likely to be available at a reasonable price, that might mean Derby can compete in the market for his signature.

But they will need to show Clark their own Premier League ambitions if they’re to compete with West Ham in terms of ambition.