Derby County may have been handed a last-minute lifeline where one of their transfer targets is concerned.
Derby County appear to be hard at work in the transfer market, with a number of reports linking the Rams with potential new signings.
Several names are on their transfer radar ahead of the summer, with Josh Windass one; the 30-year-old striker is out of contract at Sheffield Wednesday this summer, though the Owls have now offered him a new deal.
Elsewhere, Paul Warne is desperate to re-sign Cardiff City loan man Ebou Adams, with Herbie Kane another name linked following his release at Barnsley.
Derby County are also in the market for a goalkeeper with the future of Joe Wildsmith uncertain, and Rotherham United’s Viktor Johansson has been mentioned.
Reports on Friday revealed that Johansson was set for a medical at Stoke City. But the Rams may have a glimmer of hope where the Swede is concerned.
Steve Evans comments on Viktor Johansson future at Rotherham United
Speaking on Football Heaven, Rotherham United boss Steve Evans has commented on Johansson’s future at the club.
Evans said: “Stoke City, as my understanding, are in talks with Viktor’s agents. But I think there may be one or two others.”
Evans added: “They are one of a few that have matched what was in the contract.”
Johansson, 25, kept six clean sheets in 45 Championship outings for Rotherham United in 2023/24, with the Millers finishing in last place.
But the Swedish international made 27 more saves than any other goalkeeper in the Championship last season (177 total saves).
Derby County given hope over Viktor Johansson deal
Johansson to Stoke City, whilst appearing nailed on, doesn’t seem cut-and-dried, and so Warne and Derby County may be hoping for a late swoop for the Swede.
That’s if Derby are one of the teams who’ve matched his release clause at Rotherham; he has widespread interest and there could be some clubs higher up in the Championship also trying to sign him this summer.
But if Johansson’s talks with Stoke City break down then there could be a chance for Derby to come in, and it’d be a really top signing for Warne.
Johansson’s stats show how important he was for Rotherham last season and with Derby County likely to be battling near the bottom, having a tried and tested goalkeeper like Johansson will be key.
But there’s also Wildsmith whose future remains up in the air despite winning the League One Golden Glove in 2023/24.
He may fancy another crack at the Championship and if he stays at Pride Park, he could play a key role for the Rams next season.
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