Championship outfit Derby County have reportedly held talks with Aberdeen’s Scottish Premiership captain Graeme Shinnie.
Frank Lampard has admitted it is ‘obvious’ that he wants to bring Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie to Derby County in the summer transfer window, as reported by the Derby Telegraph.
The Scotland international is expected to leave Pittodrie when his contract expires in July, with the Bristol Post claiming that Old Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers are interested, as are Lee Johnson’s Bristol City.
But Derby are at the front of the queue after holding talks last week. The fact that Shinnie appeared to be pictured being shown around Pride Park rather gave the game away a little.
Speaking to the Derby Telegraph, Lampard has not even tried to hide his interest in the 27-year-old, although it remains to be seen whether the deal will be completed given that the Rams are currently under a ‘soft’ transfer embargo.
“We have had talks with him because he is a free transfer in the summer,” said the former Chelsea and England midfielder.
“The interest from our point is obvious, but I think a lot of clubs would want a Graeme Shinnie in their team and I have a lot of respect for Derek McInnes, the Aberdeen manager, and he remains their player.”
A ‘soft’ transfer embargo means Derby cannot register new players until the transfer window officially opens in June, although they are free to tie Shinnie down to a pre-contract agreement.
Experienced and versatile, a player who is equally capable at centre-half and left-back would certainly improve Lampard’s squad.
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