The Newcastle United defender has been linked with a move to Derby County and Aston Villa.
Newcastle United's Grant Hanley
With plans for next season well underway at Pride Park, it's no surprise to already be seeing Derby County linked with moves for new players, and a recent report from The Chronicle has linked the Rams with a move for Newcastle United defender Grant Hanley.
However, the defender has also been linked with a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Cardiff City and Aston Villa this summer, as the Rams look set to face some tough competition in landing the central defender's signature.
Newcastle United's Grant Hanley in action with Oxford United's Rob Hall
And if Derby County are serious about achieving promotion next season, then it must be them, and not their rivals, that secures the signing this summer. The Rams are in need of a new commanding centre-half, and a new leader at the back, and former Blackburn Rovers captain Grant Hanley would fit the bill perfectly.
But the Rams must be ambitious if they are to pip their rivals to Hanley's signature. Championship sides such as Aston Villa can offer huge wages, matching or even exceeding that which the player is earning at Newcastle United. If Gary Rowett is going to secure this signing, the Rams are going to again need to be financially ambitious.
Derby County manager Gary Rowett
With a large overhaul of the squad expected to take place this summer, Derby County will likely be looking to raise funds for signings such as Grant Hanley from departures. Defenders such as Jason Shackell, Alex Pearce and Marcus Olsson could all be looking for the exit door this summer, as Gary Rowett looks to sort out what has been an unreliable defence towards the back end of last season.
But the Rams will need work all over the pitch if they hope to gain promotion next season. Derby County have been one of the poorest scoring sides in the Championship last season, and fans will be welcoming the return of strike Chris Martin. With a new spine required in this Rams side, Grant Hanley could be the start of some serious transfer business at Pride Park this summer.
Scotland's Grant Hanley
Have something to tell us about this article?
