Derby County told to avoid 'ridiculous' Patrick Agyemang call - 'hands off' warning sent to Crystal Palace & Leeds | OneFootball

Premier League duo Leeds United and Crystal Palace have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Derby County forward Patrick Agyemang

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Premier League duo Leeds United and Crystal Palace have reportedly registered an interest in Derby County's USMNT forward Patrick Agyemang this January.

Derby County's season has been a bit of a rollercoaster, though the Rams find themselves within touching distance of the play-off places under the guidance of manager John Eustace.

The club made 13 additions to the squad over the summer in what was a mass overhaul at Pride Park, including the £7.3 million arrival of American forward Patrick Agyemang.

Agyemang, 25, proved to be the most expensive addition the club made over the summer after he impressed in the MLS with Charlotte, scoring six and assisting one in 16 league games prior to his move, whilst also starring for the American national team.

Since he arrived in the Championship, the forward has continued to impress, with seven goals and four assists in 24 league appearances thus far, subsequently drawing interest from Premier League sides Leeds United and Crystal Palace, as per FootballInsider.

Derby will be reluctant to sell any of their star assets this month, with Agyemang being no different, as Derby's chances of reaching the top six this campaign will largely hinge on whether the American sticks around or not, especially with Carlton Morris out injured.

Derby County told to reject any advances for Patrick Agyemang this January amid links with Leeds United and Crystal Palace

Football League World's Derby fan pundit, Shaun, has responded to the rumours surrounding the Premier League links with Agyemang and has made their viewpoint on the matter clear.

Shaun said, "The simple message right now would be 'hands off'."We took the risk and spent a lot of money on a raw young American who hadn't tested himself in English leagues before. Big gamble."It's starting to look like it's going to pay off. But I think that gives us the right to actually say, no, we're keeping hold of him, and if you want him, then we'll talk at the end of the season or in another season's time, and that value will be double."So I do genuinely think that he is going to go at some point because that's probably the reason we brought him in to make money on him. But right now, it would be ridiculous to even consider selling him when he's so crucial to what we're trying to achieve at the club, especially with the likes of Morris out injured, [Brereton] Diaz isn't our player, Clark isn't our player, Ozoh isn't our player."It would be unthinkable to let our probably most prized asset go right now. So yeah, hands off, and we can talk at the end of the season."

Patrick Agyemang has proven to be an excellent addition at Derby County, and John Eustace will be desperate to retain his services beyond this winter

Derby will certainly be reluctant to see Agyemang leave Pride Park this month, and few people will be echoing that notion more than boss Eustace.

Leeds have been linked with a move for Wolves' Jorgen Strand-Larsen as of late, with the Whites looking to cement their status as a Premier League outfit this campaign by adding some more quality in the final third.

Crystal Palace are in a similar boat, having been rocked by the news that Jean-Philippe Mateta wants to leave the club this month, with Aston Villa reportedly interested, and are now actively searching for a replacement should the Frenchman leave.

Both sides have shortlisted Agyemang as an option, though Derby will be eager to see the American, who joined only six months ago, stick around until at least the end of the season, and then assess options from there.