Jackson Irvine’s ability to score from midfield has earned him plenty of admirers – including Leeds United and Derby County.
It’s little surprise that Jackson Irvine is a man in demand.
His £330,000 move to Burton Albion from Ross County (BBC) was one of the most astute deals of the 2016 transfer window, the Australian international netting 10 goals from midfield in his debut season to ensure The Brewers’ first Championship campaign ended with survival.
As such, Irvine would cost far more these days, with The World Game stating that Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Wolves and Derby County are interested.
However, there may be a new frontrunner. HITC sources have told us that Leeds United are the latest club to express their interest in Irvine, one of the most prolific midfielders in the 2016/17 Championship season.
The Whites are hardly short of options in central midfield, Irvine could bring a much needed goal threat. After all, Eunan O’Kane, Ronaldo Vieira, Kalvin Phillips and Liam Bridcutt netted just two goals between them in 112 combined appearances last season.
Therefore, if Derby want to solve their own goalscoring conundrum, they will have to move fast. Craig Bryson and Bradley Johnson have proven in recent Championship campaigns that they are capable of hitting double figures but both flattered to deceive last season, netting just five between them.
Furthermore, Derby were the lowest scorers in the top half last season and their most potent player, 14-goal winger Tom Ince, has since departed for Huddersfield Town. Needless to say, a player with Irvine’s eye for goal and perfectly timed forward runs would be welcomed with open arms.
The Rams have only added three new players to their squad this summer. Curtis Davies and Andre Wisdom, bought from Hull and Liverpool, are paid to keep goals out rather than score them while deep-lying playmaker Tom Huddlestone has never been prolific.
Therefore, Irvine would be a welcome addition. But Leeds pose a new threat.
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