How John Eustace can find Derby County upgrade if Celtic FC seal hijack - it involves Rangers deal | OneFootball

Derby County could upgrade on Bobby Clark with Joe Rothwell, should the former leave for Celtic in January.

Derby County may be less worried about losing midfielder Bobby Clark in January, as the Rams are reportedly interested in signing Joe Rothwell from Rangers.

John Eustace caught the eye in the summer with the acquisition of former Liverpool prodigy Clark on a season-long loan from Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg, and the midfielder hasn't disappointed.

He quickly became a key player in the 46-year-old's side, playing 20 times in the Championship thus far, chipping in with a single assist and some consistent performances which have caught the eye of potential suitors ahead of January.

In October, Celtic were reportedly pushing to secure a £6m move for Clark, which could cut his loan spell at Pride Park short if Salzburg decide to sanction a permanent move for their young midfielder.

However, Derby's worries about losing the 20-year-old might be eased after reports emerged that the Rams were chasing the signature of Rangers' Rothwell, who would serve as a huge upgrade on their current loan star.

Derby County left unsure whether Bobby Clark will remain as Celtic lurk

Clark has always been a highly-rated prospect in English football. Ever since his emergence at Liverpool a few years ago, many have tipped the young Englishman to play at the highest level in the future.

After moving to RB Salzburg last summer for a reported fee of around £10m, Clark made a temporary return to England a year later, signing with Derby on a season-long loan deal from the Austrian side.

It's fair to say the 20-year-old has been a revelation in the middle of the park for Eustace's side, who are really in an exciting new era after putting their previous financial issues under their former owners to bed.

Clark has featured in all but one of Derby's opening 21 league matches, chipping in with an assist and impressing with some consistent performances in the engine room. He also managed to get himself on the scoresheet in an EFL Cup tie against Premier League outfit Burnley.

However, it was reported by The Times in October that Scottish giants Celtic were pushing to sign the former Liverpool man in a permanent swoop this January, with the player keen on a full-time return to the UK.

This has left Rams supporters rather concerned, as the ball isn't on their side of the court when it comes to the decision on Clark's future, and if Salzburg want to cash in should Celtic come knocking, there's not a lot they can do to stop them.

Whilst losing Clark wouldn't be ideal for the Derbyshire-based outfit, reports emerged from Alan Nixon over the weekend that wantaway Rangers midfielder Rothwell is on the Rams' January shopping list, as they look to add some experience to the engine room.

Rothwell moved to Ibrox in the summer after winning the Championship with Leeds United last term, but hasn't featured anywhere near as much as he'd have wanted to, which has left him seeking a swift exit from the Glaswegian club.

A back-to-back Championship promotion winner, there aren't many clubs who would pass up on an opportunity to sign the former Manchester United man, and Derby are reportedly one of those leading the chase for his services.

This link will come at a perfect time for the Derby faithful, as a question mark still hangs over Clark's future, and they now know that the club is actively seeking a more than adequate replacement, should the worst-case scenario occur.

As far as potential Clark replacements go, it seems that Rothwell would actually be an upgrade on the RB Salzburg loanee, and they would likely be able to secure him at a bargain price, given Rangers' desperation to clear space in their squad.

As mentioned, the 30-year-old arrives with a wealth of experience in the Championship, including back-to-back promotions, both of which he played a massive part in, with his excellent passing range and dynamism in the middle of the park.

Last term at Leeds, Rothwell's pass success rate was one of the best in the entire division (91.1%), in comparison to Clark's this season, which is one of the lowest (71%), meaning much more creativity and progression from deep.

The Rangers midfielder also trumps Clark with an exceptional threat from set-pieces, and his ability to create chances, both of which he ranked among the very best in the Championship last season, whereas the youngster isn't towards the top of the charts so far this season.

With Clark still young and developing, replacing him with Rothwell should he leave would be a stroke of genius by Derby, as they would get an accomplished Championship player who offers a unique and better equipped skill set for the level.