Derby County news: Ipswich Town approach considered, John Eustace positivity, Middlesbrough a rival in transfer chase | OneFootball

Will Derby County secure their top targets amidst fierce competition? Eustace's fitness update and a shocking transfer twist revealed.

Derby County are looking to consolidate their place back in the Championship after a 20th-place finish in the table under John Eustace.

The Rams were in danger of relegation straight back to League One prior to the 45-year-old’s arrival in February.

The club will now want to climb the table and look to compete in the top half of the standings.

We are now less than a month away from the team’s return to competitive action with a trip to face Stoke City on 9 August.

Here we take a look at all the latest news surrounding Derby.

Derby County eye Sam Morsy

Derby are looking to bolster their squad this summer, with this being Eustace’s first opportunity to leave his mark on the team since becoming manager.

It has been reported by Alan Nixon that the Rams are considering an approach for Sam Morsy from Ipswich Town.

However, it’s believed that they face competition from clubs in the Middle East for his signature, should he leave Portman Road.

The Egyptian has a contract until the summer of 2026, but it remains to be seen how key he will be to Kieran McKenna’s plans next season.

The 33-year-old made 33 appearances in the Premier League last season, including 31 starts, and he contributed one goal and one assist.

John Eustace provides fitness update

Derby played their first pre-season friendly over the weekend, a 1-1 draw with Matlock Town, as they prepare for the upcoming Championship season.

Eustace provided an update on multiple players following the draw against non-league opposition, including Sondre Langas, Dajaune Brown, Carlton Morris and Kane Wilson.

“They're progressing really well,” said the Derby boss, via Derbyshire Live.

“They're probably most of them, a couple of weeks away, which is great.

“The medical department have been working their socks off to make sure they'll be ready for the start of preseason.

“You have to remember a couple of them were going through a lot of pain last season, Kane and Langas, especially them two, so they got their knees cleared up, and they're progressing really well, so the squad's taking shape.

“Carlton's trained solidly for the last two weeks, felt a little bit stiff on Thursday, and there's no point risking him.

“We've got a good trip next week to Austria where we can get him back involved again.

“Same with Brownie, he's looked really sharp since he's come back, obviously he's got a point to prove now, he can't wait to get going, and I've been really impressed with him as well.”

Middlesbrough bid for Derby County transfer target

It was reported earlier this month that Eustace is interested in reuniting with former player Callum Brittain, having worked with him at Blackburn Rovers.

However, it has been claimed by Alan Nixon that Championship rivals Middlesbrough have stepped up their chase with an offer for the full-back.

Brittain is entering the final year of his contract at Ewood Park, which means he could be available this summer.

It is understood that the Teesside outfit have submitted an offer worth £2.5 million for the player.

Josh Windass claim

Lee Hendrie believes that the arrival of Josh Windass would be a real coup for Derby amid interest in the player.

It was reported earlier this month that Derby are among the clubs eyeing the 31-year-old amid uncertainty over his Sheffield Wednesday future.

“He’s a player that has shown that he’s capable of hitting the heights in the Championship and has done so in a team that sometimes hasn’t really had full potential in the squad,” Hendrie exclusively told FLW.

“Derby have really looked to try bolster, and have obviously been linked with players that I think would suit that football club — he’s one for definite.

“Again, he’s got a goal tally, he’s got creativity and he can play anywhere pretty much in that frontline.

“You do feel that you’d still be looking at players that are keen and eager and got that bit and he’s definitely got that.”