Derby County plot move for star who earned £35k-a-week at Sheffield United | OneFootball

The Rams are eyeing up a free agent swoop for the former Blades forward.

Derby County are reportedly interested in free agent forward and ex-Sheffield United star Rhian Brewster.

The Rams have been aggressive when it comes to bolstering John Eustace's playing squad so far this summer.

County have made no less than seven new signings so far, with the additions of David Ozoh - who is returning for a second loan spell with the club - Owen Beck, Patrick Agyemang and Carlton Morris being some of the eye-catching arrivals.

Eustace is preparing to lead his side into his first full season in charge at Pride Park in 2025/26, and everyone connected with the club will be hoping that his team will build upon their 24/25 campaign that saw them avoid relegation in the first term back in the Championship.

Derby County interested in ex-Sheffield United forward Rhian Brewster

Derby may well have identified who they'd like to become their eighth signing of the summer transfer window too.

That's because according to BBC Derby journalist Dominic Dietrich reporting via his X account on Thursday, County are interested in signing Rhian Brewster this summer.

The 25-year-old officially became a free agent this summer following the expiration of his contract at Sheffield United, having signed for the Blades from Liverpool back in October 2020 in a deal worth up to £23.5m.

It's understood that a contract proposal has remained on the table for Brewster to remain at Bramall Lane, but Blades boss Ruben Selles has previously admitted that he's preparing for life without the former Swansea City man.

Rhian Brewster would be a high-risk, but potentially high-reward signing for Derby County

Brewster's Sheffield United story has been one of frustration and excitement.

Injuries have significantly stalled his progression at Bramall Lane, but when he has been able to stay fit and be handed with opportunities to impress, he's largely showcased the obvious potential he has to be the top player Blades paid over £20m for back in October 2020.

However, in 2024/25, the former England youth international was able to make the most appearances in all competitions during a single season of his career so far, enjoying 42 outings for United last term.

36 of those came in the Championship, where his four goals and three assists helped Chris Wilder's side go all the way to the play-off final after finishing third, only to lose out to Sunderland at Wembley Stadium.

As a result, he was able to prove himself as being a capable and effective contributor to a side at Championship level, and given he's still only 25 and with plenty of tread still on the tires due to the aforementioned injury problems limiting his minutes on the pitch, it's clear to see why Derby are interested in a free agent move for him.

The upside to such a deal is clear: keep him fit, and Eustace would be adding a talented and versatile forward who could earn the club a significant transfer fee in the future.

However, one major hurdle that could complicate a deal is his potential wage demands.

As per Capology, Brewster was reportedly earning £35k-a-week at Bramall Lane, and if he's wanting a similar wage packet at his next club, then that could potentially be too expensive for Derby.

Therefore, his signing would come with clear risk, but if they were to roll the dice on him and win, then it could well be the type of signing that propels the club back to promotion contention in the second tier.