Derby County are ‘keeping tabs’ on a teenage starlet as they aim to begin their transfer business with a bang.
Derby achieved a historic promotion to the Championship last weekend, with work now beginning to assemble a squad for the huge step up.
Paul Warne has a challenge on his hands to navigate the mass exodus of players as 12 first-teamers see their contracts expire this summer while adding an abundance of athleticism and quality to his roster.
The Rams have already seen a £250,000 bid rejected for loan hero Ebou Adams, with Cardiff City holding firm in their £500,000 valuation. Warne is also keen on luring highly-rated Celtic youngster Bosun Lawal to Pride Park this summer.
A blend of youth and experience is the recipe Derby are cooking up as the club attempts to lower the average age of their squad, with their latest transfer target falling into the former category.
Derby County are ‘keeping tabs’ on Hearts youngster Rocco Friel
According to the Daily Record, Queens Park Rangers are in talks to sign right-back Rocco Friel from Hearts, while Derby and Leicester City are said to be ‘keeping tabs’ on the teenage starlet.
As detailed by the report, Friel has previously had training stints south of the border at Leicester and in Derbyshire, moving to the capital after departing Rangers in 2021.
The 17-year-old has been a regular in Liam Fox’s B team this term, who finished second in the lowland league, with Friel scoring three goals and notching up three assists in 14 appearances.
The 2006-born defender, who can also operate as a right-sided midfielder, could be the perfect long-term coup down the flank.
Why Derby County are looking at Rocco Friel
Derby took a shining to Friel in the January transfer window, although a move from Hearts failed to materialise.
It hasn’t been reported whether the Rams were put off by the compensation fee, but as they are no longer hamstrung by EFL restrictions, Warne can afford to lure the youngster to Derbyshire.
Having impressed in the lowland leagues – the Scottish fifth tier – Friel could be drawn towards the prospect of playing in the Championship.
The teenage sensation would likely slot into the under-21s at Derby while offering an option long-term for their right side, with Friel capable of playing as a right-back or right-winger.
With Ryan Nyambe out injured, the Derby boss has had to call upon Kane Wilson or Joe Ward at right back and they much prefer to be playing further forward.
The addition of Friel would not only give them long-term security, but someone who they can develop into the next star, as they’ve done so many times before.
The post Report: Warne is ‘keeping tabs’ on teenage starlet with a bright future for Derby County, he’ll cost £0 appeared first on Derby County News.