Stoke City are reportedly keen to raid Championship neighbours Derby County for former England midfielder Tom Huddlestone.
Frank Lampard has brought in a high-energy style at Derby County and that doesn’t exactly suit the famously languid Tom Huddlestone.
The 31-year-old hasn’t featured in any of Lampard’s first three Championship games in charge of The Rams with Bradley Johnson, Craig Bryson and Joe Ledley preferred in the centre of midfield.
And according to The Mail, Huddlestone is therefore concerned about his first-team prospects under the former Chelsea midfielder at Pride Park. So the chance to reunite with Lampard’s predecessor, Gary Rowett, appeals.
The Mail adds that Rowett’s new club, Stoke City, are in need of a midfielder comfortable on the ball and dictating the tempo and this suits the former Tottenham and Hull City man down to the ground.
It is understood that initial discussions have held talks and Derby are open to the idea of letting Huddlestone join Stoke on loan with a view to a permanent transfer next summer. The Rams paid £2 million to sign him from Hull City a year ago and it remains to be seen how much they could recoup from that fee.
Huddlestone played 47 times in all competitions for Rowett last season and would therefore be guaranteed more regular game time under the former Burton and Birmingham boss at the Bet 365 Stadium.
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