Derby County and Middlesbrough have done business once already this summer.
Derby County could move for Middlesbrough midfielder Grant Leadbitter after losing out on Stoke City’s Glenn Whelan, according to The Mirror [14 July, page 58].
Reports earlier this week suggested that Aston Villa are closing in on a deal to sign Whelan [Irish Sun], with Derby subsequently linked with moves for Tom Huddlestone [HITC] and Matty James [Daily Mail] of Hull City and Leicester City respectively.
Middlesbrough’s Grant Leadbitter
Leadbitter is Middlesbrough’s captain, but only appeared 13 times as the Teessiders dropped out of the Premier League last season.
Whether the 31-year-old features in Garry Monk’s plans remains to be seen, although the new Boro boss recently bolstered his midfield with the capture of Jonny Howson from Norwich City.
But with Leadbitter’s contract up at the end of the campaign, it is possible that Middlesbrough could be tempted to cash in on the player.
Derby and Boro have done business once already this summer, with Cyrus Christie swapping Pride Park for the Riverside. And the Rams’ co-operation could yet work in their favour.
Which of the linked midfielders should Derby County go for?
Derby manager Gary Rowett
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