Derby County have been linked with moves for Tom Huddlestone and Matty James recently, with the former being the better option.
Derby County are reportedly preparing a £4 million bid for Leciester City midfielder Matty James, according to the Leicester Mercury. Derby are also said to be ready to activate a £2 million release clause in Tom Huddlestone’s Hull City contract (Daily Mail).
The Rams are keen to add some steel to their midfield, after coming under criticism in recent seasons for their lack of strength in the middle of the park.
Derby fans will be relieved to see their team linked with players that have a strong, physical presence. Something that they know all too well has been a weak link in the side.
Manchester City’s Fernandinho in action with Hull City’s Tom Huddlestone
It is unlikely that Derby boss Gary Rowett will look to bring both Huddlestone and James to the club. The Rams are already well stocked in the central midfield department.
Out of the two players, Derby would be better off with welcoming 30-year-old Huddlestone back to the club he started his career.
The former England international made 92 first-team appearances at Pride Park, after making his debut aged just 16-years-old, before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in 2005.
Since then, the imposing defensive midfielder has played 475 games at club level, with 242 of those in the Premier League.
Compare this to James, who has made 148 appearances, with just 28 of those being in the top-flight.
Whilst there is no doubt about his footballing ability, the former Manchester United midfielder’s recent injury troubles would make the reported £4 million move more of a gamble.
A move for Huddlestone will impose less of a risk and also be a popular choice amongst the fans, who still consider Huddlestone’s move to Spurs as one of the worst pieces of business the club has done in recent years.
Leicester City’s Matty James with the trophy as he celebrates winning the Barclays Premier League
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