A former Derby County youngster could make a big money Premier League move during this summer’s transfer window.
Derby County’s academy has churned out some serious quality in recent years, notably Morgan Whittaker and Max Bird, both of which will be playing in the Championship against Derby County next season.
Will Hughes is also a big name to start his development at Pride Park, with the midfielder now tallying 150 Premier League appearances across spells with Watford and Crystal Palace.
The Rams’ academy has also seen former Republic of Ireland U21 defender Eiran Cashin cement his place at centre-back in recent years, gaining vital experience with the Rams and holding a sizeable transfer value as a result.
However, one former youth product that Derby County cashed in on for a six-figure fee is now reportedly in talks with a Premier League giant, with his current club valuing him at a hefty £20 million fee.
Former Derby County youngster Omari Kellyman in talks over Chelsea move
Aston Villa have valued the former Derby County attacking talent Omari Kellyman at £20million, with Chelsea reportedly in talks to sign the 18-year-old, per journalist Matt Law.
Although Kellyman has tallied an impressive seven goals in just 11 appearances in the Premier League 2 for Aston Villa U21s, he has barely seen any first-team minutes, getting just 35 minutes on the pitch for Unai Emery’s side in the Premier League last season.
Derby County sold the youngster to Aston Villa for a fee of £600,000 in March 2022, despite not being given a single appearance for the Rams’ first team.
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The former Derby County youngster was sold back in 2022 whilst the club were in administration, suggesting that Kellyman could have found his place in the Derby team further down the line if things worked out differently.
On the brighter side, the Rams have talent in the wings, including 18-year-old striker Lennon Wheeldon, who joined the youth setup back in July 2022.
Wheeldon was given a taste of senior football this season by Paul Warne after a substitute appearance in the EFL Trophy as Derby beat Wolves U21s 4-1.
The youngster has been clinical in the U18 Premier League, averaging a goal every 182 minutes, as well as having some well-deserved game time in the Premier League 2.
Although the hot prospect isn’t quite at the level of getting regular first team football, he is certainly a clinical striker to look out for in the near future.
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