Derby County are set for a busy summer on the transfer front, with plenty of players expected to move in and out of the club.
The Rams sealed a historic return to the Championship, earning promotion from League One last season under Paul Warne.
The Derby boss ensured an exit from the third tier at the second time of asking, laying to rest some of the dark days that preceded relegation.
With a busy summer ahead, Warne is already looking to make some wholesale changes to the squad, allowing them to compete at a higher level.
Fans have waited patiently but it appears as though Ben Osborn is set to be the first Derby transfer of the summer.
The former Nottingham Forest man will join as a free agent from Sheffield United – per reports – making that jump between local rivals.
Osborn may not be the only star set to make the move to join a former rival of his though, with an ex-Derby ace readying a switch elsewhere.
Dylan Williams set for Chelsea transfer exit
One former player who appears to be on the move this summer is Dylan Williams – who could be about to leave Chelsea.
The 20-year-old defender is a product of the Derby academy, making his way through the ranks until his debut in 2021.
Chelsea acted fast, moving to sign him while the Rams were struggling with financial turmoil during their administration.
Since then, Williams has been part of the academy setup at Chelsea, showing plenty of ability which may lead to a move.
According to a report from BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella, the youngster is set for a move to join Burton Albion on an initial loan with an obligation to buy,
It comes as the Brewers appointed Mark Robinson as their new head coach – who was once of the Chelsea under-21s coaching setup.
Burton have moved quickly under their new ownership to bolster the squad, following a close call with relegation in League One last season.
It would see another former Derby player join their local rivals, who already have Mason Bennett on their books.
Wayne Rooney praise for Dylan Williams
Williams had featured six times in the Championship at Derby, namely under manager Wayne Rooney at the time.
One of those matches included an impressive display against West Bromwich Albion in September 2021, with the youngster filling in at left-back.
“I thought he was excellent,” Rooney said after the game. “To come to West Brom, top of the league, a difficult team to play against, and so the biggest compliment I can give him is putting him in for this game, his first league start, and he didn’t let anyone down.”
There’s clearly plenty of potential with Williams, given his early displays and then his move to Chelsea that followed.
While it won’t be for Derby, there’s still a chance the youngster could fulfil his potential with local side Burton.
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