Patrick Agyemang to leave Derby County? John Eustace must beat Celtic FC to Plymouth Argyle transfer | OneFootball

Derby County could lose their USA international star this summer, and Plymouth may have the answer to their problems if he does depart.

Patrick Agyemang has been a breath of fresh air at Derby County this season, and the former Charlotte FC man has been a real talent for the East Midlands outfit since making his move from the MLS in the summer transfer window.

Signed for £5.8m, with that fee potentially rising to as high as £7.3m in the future, the USA international has scored 10 times in the Championship. However, his work does not stop in the box, and he is a constant issue for Championship defenders thanks to his strength, pace and tenacity.

However, it is these three characteristics that have seen sides from the Premier League register their interest in the 25-year-old in the last couple of months. Football Insider have reported that both Leeds United and Crystal Palace are keen on the versatile attacker, leaving the Rams vulnerable to bids in the summer.

Yet, John Eustace will have a plan to find a replacement promptly if Agyemang does get that opportunity in the top flight if Derby do not win promotion through the play-offs, and Plymouth Argyle may hold the key to any potential problems that they face.

Derby County should target Plymouth Argyle Lorent Tolaj if Patrick Agyemang leaves

Celtic have been keen admirers of the Greens' star striker, Lorent Tolaj, recently, and they may look to secure a deal for the former Port Vale man in the summer, especially if Tom Cleverley's side fail in their bid to finish in the League One play-off places.

That's according to a report from the Daily Mail, but he is not the only striker who the Bhoys have been targeting, with Bodo/Glimt's Kasper Hogh also on their radar. Given his prowess in the Champions League this season, he may be the more suitable choice for a side likely to be in European competition in 2026/27, compared to a striker who has played EFL football for the last couple of years.

Yet, Derby should not be put off. Tolaj has been extremely prolific this season, scoring 14 goals in 26 games for both Port Vale and Plymouth. While he is currently out with a muscle tear, there is no denying that once he is back fit, he will be straight back into the starting XI at Home Park.

At 24, he is at the perfect age to develop with the Rams, and working alongside the likes of Carlton Morris and Lars-Jorgen Salvesen, he can make significant progress in DE24 and may potentially be able to work his way to the Premier League.

Lorent Tolaj offers something different to Patrick Agyemang

Agyemang is a player who loves to run at defenders, and is not frightened to take the ball forward while alone, and he has won countless free kicks from this positive style of play. Meanwhile, Tolaj is a more natural number nine, and will look to hold the ball up and bring the wingers into the game.

At 6ft, the Swiss striker is a few inches shorter than Derby's current number seven, and therefore he will offer a different outlet for Eustace in the attacking phase. Yet, he has proven just how clinical he can be when given the opportunity to shoot.

Tolaj's hat-trick against Doncaster Rovers in Plymouth's 5-1 victory in December is proof of just how complete a forward he is, and he would flourish in the Rams' starting XI.

Nevertheless, with Celtic showing a keen interest, Derby may have to offer a significant fee to win over the 24-year-old if they do pursue a move in the summer. Yet, with Agyemang likely to command a fee of around £20m, they will have more than enough to rebuild if the USA star departs.