Derby County join Sheffield United in transfer race for Rangers FC man - 'he is John Eustace's type' | OneFootball

Sheffield United and Derby County are leading the race to sign Rangers midfielder Joe Rothwell in January.

Sheffield United and Derby County plotting a move for Rangers midfielder Joe Rothwell in the upcoming winter transfer window, as he looks for a way out of Ibrox.

The Blades endured a tumultuous start to the campaign under Ruben Selles, but have since put some distance between themselves and the relegation zone after the re-appointment of Chris Wilder.

However, United are still massively underachieving as a whole, and will be looking to add some quality to their squad in January, as they continue to propel themselves up the Championship table.

This has seen reports emerge from The Daily Record, which suggest that the Yorkshire club are in pole position to land the signing of wantaway Rangers midfielder Rothwell in the upcoming transfer window.

However, they will face competition from Championship rivals Derby, according to reports from Alan Nixon via his Patreon page, as the Rams also look to add some quality to their midfield unit.

Sheffield United, Derby County leading the race to sign Rangers midfielder Joe Rothwell

Rothwell spent last season on loan at Leeds United, where he played 36 times in the league, chipping in with four assists, helping the White on their way to the Championship title.

This was his second-consecutive Championship promotion, having achieved the same feat via the play-offs in the previous campaign with Southampton.

However, following his release from parent club AFC Bournemouth, Rothwell signed for Scottish giants Rangers, but hasn't had the start to life that he would've hoped for, playing just eight times for Danny Rohl's side thus far.

This has already seen reports emerge that the midfielder is looking to depart Ibrox this winter, with Championship duo Sheffield United and Derby the clubs leading the race to sign him.

According to The Daily Record, the Blades are confident of getting a deal done for the experienced Rothwell, as they look to climb further up the Championship table following a poor start to the campaign.

Despite this, reports from Nixon suggest that Derby will rival Wilder's side for the signing of the 30-year-old, as they weigh up a potential loan or permanent move for the former Manchester United youngster.

Indeed, Nixon's report states that Rothwell is "John Eustace's type" of midfielder, which could give Derby an advantage over the Blades in pushing for any potential deal.

As mentioned, Rothwell's reputation in the Championship speaks for itself. With back-to-back promotions to his name, it's clear to see why the midfielder is so highly sought after by second tier clubs this winter.

Whilst Sheffield United and Derby are some way off the play-off picture as it stands, there is still plenty of time in the new year to kick on and make a late bid for the play-off places.

The 30-year-old adds quality and experience in the engine room, and will be a huge asset to whoever lands him, as he knows how to be consistent and get results at this level.

Obviously, it's not guaranteed that the team that lands him will go on to make the top six, but having a tenacious midfielder with a wealth of experience at gaining promotion will be a huge boost for their chances ahead of the second half of the season.