Derby County backed to sign Lewis Travis and ex-West Brom player - "We desperately need" | OneFootball

FLW's Derby County Fan Pundit has identified two players the club should bring to the East Midlands as soon as possible

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…

Derby County are facing a somewhat challenging start to the 25/26 Championship season, with John Eustace's side dealing with squad depth issues due to multiple injuries.

The Rams narrowly avoided relegation on the final day last season and have made 10 new signings so far this transfer window - although only two started their opening game against Stoke City - Danny Batth and Carlton Morris.

With deadline day fast approaching, FLW's Derby County Fan Pundit, Shaun Woodward, has identified two players the club should bring to the East Midlands as soon as possible.

Derby backed to complete Lewis Travis deal

Woodward believes Lewis Travis is the perfect player to complete Derby's midfield.

"Obviously, it’s been well-documented that Lewis Travis wants to leave Blackburn and Derby are the favourites to get him. I said before we just need to pay whatever it is that they’re asking for, unless it is ridiculous money, and get him in," Woodward told FLW.

The Blackburn Rovers captain has made his intentions clear, with manager Valerien Ismael confirming that Travis has "asked to leave the club" and wants to join the Rams specifically.

According to Elliott Jackson, Rovers reporter for the Lancashire Telegraph, the money being offered to Travis by Derby is "life-changing" - he's one of the highest earners at the club.

"He’s an established player at this level, he knows what he’s doing in there, he plays week in, week out and a real leader," Woodward added.

Derby have already submitted a £1.5m bid for Travis, though Blackburn rejected the offer.

"So, for me, having him alongside Ozoh and Adams would make a formidable three and as good as most in the Championship. It’s an area that we really lacked at the start of this season, is control in the middle. So get him in alongside Ozoh and Adams and I think we'll have a really successful season, we’ll have a really good platform in that middle to dictate games," Woodward continued.

Travis has made 264 appearances for Blackburn across all competitions - he joined their academy setup after leaving Liverpool.

Grady Diangana could solve the Rams' winger issue

Woodward's second target is Grady Diangana, the former West Brom winger who is available as a free agent after his contract expired at The Hawthorns.

"Another, we desperately need wide men. I know there’s not many out there that we can just go and get because they’re already at other clubs, but Grady Diangana.

"He’s a free agent, still only 27. He’s played at this level for a while now. Yes, there will probably be a few weeks when he’d need to get fit again because he hasn’t had much of a pre-season, if any," Woodward claimed.

Diangana spent six years at West Brom after initially joining on loan from West Ham. The Congolese international made 202 appearances for the Baggies - scoring 26 goals and providing 22 assists.

"The Baggies, I think, spent a lot of money on him a while ago, so he’s clearly a bit like Brewster. Clearly, someone that was well thought of has lost his way, perhaps."

Albion paid £12m rising to £18m with add-ons to sign Diangana permanently from West Ham after his loan.

"He could come in, and if Eustace can improve him and get the best out of him, we’ll have a really good player there," Woodward concluded.

Derby's need for wide players has become a real issue. Corey Blackett-Taylor has been sidelined for six weeks, leaving Kane Jackson as the only other recognised "winger" in the squad.

Ultimately, Rams fans will surely be hoping that their club can secure both of Woodward's suggestions - or at least Travis and a couple of suitable wingers at Championship level. Both types of players are seemingly a must to bring in before the end of the window.