Middlesbrough’s Adam Clayton is not short of options with a return to Leeds United, or a switch to Aston Villa or Derby County, reportedly on the cards.
The hunt for Adam Clayton is very much on. The midfielder’s future at Middlesbrough is uncertain after falling out of favour under Garry Monk and being omitted from the club’s first two league games under new manager Tony Pulis.
And according to the Yorkshire Post, Leeds United are genuinely considering a move to bring Clayton back to Elland Road – five-and-a-half years after the former fan favourite left in a cut-price move to Huddersfield Town. It is understood that both Sheffield clubs are interested, as are promotion chasing trio Cardiff City, Aston Villa and Derby County.
But if there is one club that stands out as the perfect environment for Clayton, it is Gary Rowett’s Derby. The former Manchester City youngster is a tenacious and hard-working player; in fact, he epitomises the values what Rowett demands from his Rams.
Derby are second in the Championship as things stand and their stunning rise from mid-table is a result of the togetherness, team ethic and never-say-die spirit that Rowett has instilled at Pride Park. There is a certain similarity with Aitor Karanka’s Middlesbrough, who Clayton won promotion with back in 2016.
And with a deal to sign Maikel Kieftenbeld from Birmingham City looking more unlikely than ever, and Craig Bryson on loan at Cardiff until the end of the season, Clayton would be a welcome reinforcement to Derby’s midfield; potentially forming a formidable partnership with Joe Ledley.
Comparatively, you wonder why Villa are even in the race for the 28-year-old. With Glenn Whelan, Mile Jedinak, Conor Hourihane and Henri Lansbury among those fighting for a place in the centre of the park, there is surely no more space in a crowded engine room.
Forget his other suitors, Derby is where Clayton could thrive.
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