Derby County must avoid potential loan deal for Tom Ince; only a permanent move should be negotiated

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Derby County could be set to lose one of their prized assets to Premier League newcomers Huddersfield Town in a shock season-long loan deal.

Tom Ince scored 15 goals for Derby County last season

Huddersfield Town are in talks to sign Derby County talisman Tom Ince for their debut campaign on a season-long loan deal, according to the Sun.

The Terriers are willing to cover the cost of Ince’s reported £30,000-a-week wages as well as a nominal loan fee. If Huddersfield are successful in their quest for Premier League survival then they will have the option to buy the dynamic winger.

In a surprise turn of events, the Rams look to be tempted by the offer on the table and are willing to look at the possibility of letting one of their star performers in recent seasons leave the club.

Tom Ince has scored 38 goals in 115 appearances for Derby County

Derby look for a squad overhaul after a disappointing campaign last season where they failed to make the play-offs. Gary Rowett is keen to reduce the size of the playing squad and reduce the high wage bill at Pride Park to generate funds for new signings.

Despite playing an ever-present for the Rams since signing from Hull City in 2015, Ince could be shown the exit door but not in the way many would have envisaged. The 25-year-old is a key figure for Derby and it was assumed that a potential move away from the East Midlands would have been heavily compensated with a substantial transfer fee.

However, this may not be the case and Derby supporters will be forgiven for being sceptical about the potential deal.

Tom Ince will be keen to prove himself in the Premier League

Derby forward Chris Martin has recently returned from a loan spell at Championship side Fulham in a deal which held palpable similarities to the rumoured Ince deal.

Many Derby fans felt the deal did not benefit the club in any way, despite the loan fee paid by the Cottagers in what proved to be a controversial spell at Craven Cottage.

It seems that Derby have not learned their lesson and are willing to negotiate a deal that benefits Huddersfield far greater. If the club are looking to cash in on their prized asset then a permanent transfer should be pursued so the club can move on accordingly.

There is little to no benefit in an option-to-buy loan deal and the Rams should do all they can to steer well clear of this offer.

Tom Ince is a former England U21 international