Derby County are expected to complete the £4 million signing of Monaco defender Jonathan Panzo, according to the Mirror (24 August, page 48).
While Phillip Cocu’s debut season in charge of the Rams did not exactly go to plan, the second could be markedly better than the first.
After all, it was not just the presence of Wayne Rooney which dragged Derby from mid-table mediocrity into play off contention in the final few months.
A team full of promising youngsters appeared to get to grips with Cocu’s own brand of Total Voetbal as the season progressed and, if the East Midland giants can improve at the back, then a top six place is certainly up for grabs in 2021.
Derby conceded 64 goals in 2019/20 – more than any other top half team bar Bristol City.
It remains to be seen whether former Chelsea youngster Panzo will solve the problem but, at a hefty £4 million, expectations will be sky high.
The England U21 international, who spent last season on loan at Cercle Brugge, could be tasked with forging a new-look partnership with Mike te Wierik in Cocu’s starting XI, though Matt Clarke is also expected to return for a second loan spell from Brighton and Hove Albion.
Speaking to GFFN earlier this summer, Panzo admitted that he idolises Sergio Ramos and was aided in his development by the legendary John Terry during his formative years at Stamford Bridge.
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