Derby County must be on red alert as Man Utd transfer stance emerges | OneFootball

Shea Lacey is likely to be loaned out in the summer, and the Rams must be ready to bring him to the club.

Derby County have had a really strong season in the Championship, and while they may not quite make that final push and finish in the play-off places, they have set themselves up for an exciting 2026/27 campaign.

The Rams have won their last three home games, and they face Birmingham City on Saturday afternoon looking to keep that run of form going against a side who have lost pace compared to those fighting for the top six in the last few weeks.

Nonetheless, John Eustace will not back away from the play-off race until his team are mathematically incapable of finishing in sixth, and he will already be scouting with his recruitment team for the new season - whether that is in the Championship or even in the Premier League.

One position that Derby may need to find a new star for is the right-wing. Ben Brereton Diaz has been excellent in 2026 after a tough start to life on loan in the East Midlands, but there is no guarantee that he returns after the summer, and Manchester United may hold the key to success at Pride Park soon.

Derby County must be ready to pursue loan deal for Manchester United's Shea Lacey

With Brereton Diaz's uncertain future in mind, the Rams will be in the market for a new wide player this summer, and after the success of this loan deal, they may seek out another with Premier League giants Manchester United and a young star at Old Trafford.

Shea Lacey is a player who the Red Devils are looking to send out on loan for the 2026/27 campaign after getting his first taste of action in the senior team, as per a report from Alan Nixon. It seems likely that there will be several EFL clubs looking to pounce on a deal to sign the 18-year-old, and Derby should be one of those looking to win that battle.

He has scored eight goals in eight Premier League 2 games this season, and has made two appearances in the Premier League for Manchester United, as well as one in the FA Cup. However, since he was sent off in the cup against Brighton, Michael Carrick has trusted him to feature in the first team.

Therefore, getting minutes at a club like Derby, who will be expected to be pushing for the play-offs next season, is vital. The Rams have proven their worth in bringing through young talent in the past, and Lacey would have ample opportunity to improve if the Rams do pursue a deal for him.

A move for Shea Lacey may depend on Ben Brereton Diaz's Derby County future

There is no denying that, despite an outstanding goal against Wrexham in September, Brereton Diaz's first few months at Pride Park were extremely disappointing and in January there were maybe some supporters expecting him to return to Southampton.

However, after another strike against the Red Dragons, the Chile international has been outstanding, and he has been one of the first names on the teamsheet in his right-wing position. Therefore, Lacey may be a second thought for Eustace if Brereton Diaz returns.

Yet, this could also be the perfect opportunity for the teenager to learn from a player who has plenty of experience at different levels. Bringing Lacey to Derby alongside their current on-loan star could allow the Rams plenty of rotational options out wide, and provide cover.

The Manchester United youngster can also play more centrally, and with both Sammie Szmodics and Bobby Clark returning to their parent clubs this summer, this may just be the perfect move for all players.