Derby County in 7-team worldwide transfer battle for 10-goal winger | OneFootball

Derby County are among the clubs eyeing a deal for the A-League star

Derby County had the chance to break into the Championship play-offs on the final day of the season, but narrowly missed out to Hull City.

The Rams lost 2-1 to Sheffield United, and the Tigers' win over Norwich City meant that the gap to sixth place couldn’t be overturned.

Hull went on to earn promotion to the Premier League, beating Middlesbrough in the final, with John Eustace’s side planning for a third Championship campaign in a row.

The hierarchy invested heavily in the first team squad last year, which played a significant role in the team climbing up the table after narrowly avoiding relegation, and that could increase this summer, with Saudi government figure Turki Alalshikh wanting to invest in the Rams.

Eustace has also earned a lot of praise for his work in building a side capable of competing for a play-off place, and Derby will now be aiming to earn another top eight finish in 2027, with the play-offs expanding to include two extra clubs from next season.

Derby County eyeing Australian winger but face battle from European and Asian clubs

It has been reported by Australian outlet News that Derby are among the clubs considering a deal for Newcastle Jets attacker Eli Adams.

The left-footed right-winger has a contract at the McDonald Jones Stadium for another season, but it is expected that he will leave the club during the summer transfer window for a fee.

The Rams are keen on signing the 24-year-old, who contributed eight goals and four assists last season to help the team win the A-League title - he scored 10 times in all competitions.

However, Adams - who is yet to be capped by the Socceroos - is attracting interest from clubs across Europe, including Red Bull Salzburg and FC Copenhagen.

Belgian outfit Gent as well as Germam duo Nurnberg and Holstein Kiel are also in the race for the forward’s signature, as well as Japanese side Gamba Osaka.

It remains to be seen what Adams' preference will be at this stage, but a move to European football looks the most likely option.

The 24-year-old has impressed in Australia, and has stood out across two seasons with the Newcastle Jets.

He’s made a total of 45 appearances in the A-League for the club, scoring on 17 occasions.

The A-League has become a popular market for English teams in the last few years, with Portsmouth in particular utilising the division for signings.

Derby have gone outside of European football in the last year to bring Patrick Agyemang to Pride Park, which has proven a successful addition to Eustace’s side.

However, the forward is currently out of action with an Achilles injury, and it could be 2027 before he is seen again.

Eli Adams signing could be a smart move by Derby County and John Eustace

The move for Agyemang was a left-field choice, but the USA striker enjoyed a strong first year in English football before getting injured.

Derby will be hoping to replicate that success if they can bring Adams to the club, as they target new attackers for Eustace’s side.

Portsmouth have shown that players can adjust to life in England from Australia, with Adrien Segecic in particular performing quite well after arriving from the other side of the world.

Given he is into the final year of his contract, he could also be available at an affordable cost, so this has the potential to be a shrewd piece of business if the Rams can get it over the line.