Derby County academy graduate Louie Sibley could depart the club this summer and luckily, several players in the transfer window could replace him.
A summer of change is pending at Derby having already set six first-team players for release, including Joe Wildsmith and captain Conor Hourihane.
The Rams were also said to be in discussions over new contracts for Louie Sibley and top scorer James Collins, with their current deals expiring this summer.
Sibley is currently negotiating a new contract at Pride Park but his situation has alerted League One side Rotherham United, who are reportedly interested in capturing the 22-year-old.
The Englishman has been at Derby for over 14 years and last season, he flourished when Paul Warne deployed him as a left wing-back, assisting in two of their final three matches.
Derby appear to want to keep the versatile Sibley around however, if he does choose to depart, here are three replacements Warne should be looking at…
Harrison Burrows
Peterborough United wing-back Harrison Burrows had a phenomenal season with the Posh.
Although his side missed out on promotion through the play-offs, the 22-year-old transformed into an assist-making machine. He scored five and assisted 16 in League One; an incredible output that earned him a place in the Team of the Season.
Burrows stock has risen significantly since the start of last season, with Darragh MacAnthony rejecting a bid from an unnamed Championship club in January.
Sadly, the talented wizard will likely command a seven-figure fee and with several second-tier sides interested, Derby will need a lot of luck and funds to land him.
However, if they do, he would be a huge upgrade on Sibley this summer.
Ben Osborn
Ben Osborn is known for his long association with arch-rivals Nottingham Forest, spending 16 years there and appearing 230 times in all competitions.
A versatile and hard-working player, capable of playing in multiple positions, including left wing-back, central-midfield and winger, Osborn could be available on a free transfer this summer.
Currently at Sheffield United, where he’s just been relegated from the top flight after making 24 appearances in 2023/24, the 29-year-old is set to leave Bramall Lane but there are ongoing discussions, as per United’s official website.
Derby should snap up Osborn if the opportunity arises as not only does he boast vast Championship experience with 266 appearances, he’s also a Rams supporter, which is ironic considering he spent so much of his life at Forest.
Dan Potts
Recently released from Luton Town after never making an appearance in the Premier League, Dan Potts could be a bargain signing on a free transfer.
The 30-year-old played 30 times in the Championship in 2022/23 as the Hatters earned promotion to the top flight and now, he’s looking for his next challenge.
That could be with Derby as they’re looking for a left wing-back to either challenge or replace Sibley down the left.
Previously described as “brilliant” by former manager Nathan Jones, the West Ham academy graduate can inflict damage with his wand of a left foot and unlike Burrows, he’d be a cost-efficient option at left wing-back.
After all, he did play over 200 times for Luton – including 95 appearances in the Championship – so he’s someone who doesn’t need to acclimatize to the level.
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