Derby consider free agent Ledley but are concerned about his age

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Derby are considering a move for Joe Ledley, who has been a free agent since leaving Crystal Palace at the end of last season.

Joe Ledley during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Sunderland.

Derby County are weighing up a move for Joe Ledley, reports the Derby Telegraph, who is a free agent since being released by Crystal Palace at the end of last season.

Rams manager Gary Rowett is keen to add support to his squad in midfield after a deadline day move to sign Maikel Kieftenbeld from Birmingham City fell through.

Gary Rowett, manager of Derby County, looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match against Hull City.

And rather than having to wait until January to solve that problem, Rowett could dip into the free transfer market and pick up Ledley immediately.

After all, the Wales international does have a huge amount of experience having played for Cardiff City, Celtic and Palace during his career so far.

Gareth Bale of Wales (R) lines up with teammates Joe Ledley (C) and Aaron Ramsey (L) prior to the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier against Republic of Ireland.

However, there are concerns that with Ledley turning 31 in January, he would be adding to what is already an aging squad at Pride Park. The average age is currently just over 28 and seven of the players who started the 4-1 Championship defeat to Bristol City at the weekend were 30 or over.

There are also question marks over Ledley’s mobility in the middle and how his arrival, if signed, would affect the reintegration of George Thorne into the team once he has returned from injury.