Leeds United battle Ipswich Town for 26-year-old in potential Derby County boost | OneFootball

Leeds United had been interested in Derby County's Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, but they are now rivalling Ipswich for Kjell Scherpen.

Derby County enjoyed an impressive previous campaign under John Eustace, even if they ultimately missed out on the play-offs.

The challenge for the Rams will be to go one better this season, and the new extended format, which means the top eight have a shot at promotion, is certainly going to benefit the club.

However, the transfer window will be key for Derby, and they have started making some shrewd moves, with Bobby Clark joining permanently following an outstanding loan spell, whilst Charlie Taylor has been signed to bolster the defence.

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Leeds United turn attention away from Derby County’s Jacob Widell Zetterstrom

Even though there will be a focus on incomings, Derby also face a battle to retain their key men, and it has been claimed that Jacob Widell Zetterstrom is attracting attention.

In truth, that won’t come as a surprise, as the keeper has been excellent since he signed for Derby from Djurgadens, and he enhanced his reputation with two strong performances for Sweden in the World Cup against Japan and France.

Leeds were one of the clubs believed to be tracking Zetterstrom, and the chance to move to Elland Road, and play Premier League football, would have appealed to the 26-year-old.

But, it seems Daniel Farke’s men could be on the lookout for alternatives as they seek a new number one after Karl Darlow’s decision to join Man Utd.

And, according to Sky Sports reporter Ben Heckner, Leeds are ‘showing interest’ in Royale Union Saint-Gilloise stopper Kjell Scherpen.

The Dutch youth international has impressed in Belgium, and the Yorkshire outfit, as well as newly-promoted Ipswich, are keen on bringing him to the Premier League.

Derby County facing crucial Jacob Widell Zetterstrom decision this summer

Zetterstrom is very popular at Derby, so the fans will be pleased if he doesn’t go to Leeds this summer, but they are in a tricky position with the keeper.

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That’s because his contract is set to expire in the summer of 2027, so Derby know this is the last chance to get a big fee for their star man, otherwise they run the risk of losing him on a free.

Obviously, in an ideal world, Zetterstrom will sign a new deal at Pride Park, and if Leeds are looking elsewhere, it does increase the chances of that happening.

We know that Derby are an ambitious club, with the aim of reaching the Premier League, but it would still be a real coup if they could secure Zetterstrom on a longer contract.

If that isn’t a possibility, then the priority will surely have to be getting the biggest possible fee for him this summer, which will allow Eustace to reinvest, although it will be difficult to find a keeper of a similar level for the Championship.

Wolves and Frankfurt are among the other clubs who are thought to be monitoring Zetterstrom, so even if he doesn’t end up at Leeds, there is a real chance that he does depart in the coming weeks, and it will be one to watch as the transfer market progresses, as Derby will ideally want clarification quickly on what the future holds for their number one.