Report: Derby County want Scunthorpe’s Duane Holmes as Lampard eyes first signing

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Derby County are reportedly battling Blackburn Rovers and Rotherham United for Duane Holmes.

According to Sky Sports, Derby County are one of three Championship clubs interested in signing Scunthorpe United playmaker Duane Holmes this summer.

The Rams saw manager Gary Rowett leave for Stoke City at the end of the season, and owner Mel Morris decided to take a gamble by bringing in Frank Lampard as his replacement.

Lampard, 39, is embarking on his first job in management, and fans will be fascinated to see who he manages to bring to Pride Park, especially when it comes to his first signing.

Now, Sky Sports report that Derby are interested in signing Scunthorpe United playmaker Duane Holmes, and will battle Blackburn Rovers and Rotherham United for his signature.

Holmes, 23, was born in America and headed to England at the age of just four, coming up through the ranks with Huddersfield Town before moving on to Scunthorpe in 2016.

The attacking midfielder enjoyed a strong season with the League One club, notching nine goals and five assists for the Iron before a one-year option on his contract was activated to keep him at Glanford Park until 2019.

That isn’t stopping interest though, and Derby – who may cut back their spending this summer – now look poised to challenge promoted duo Blackburn and Rotherham for Holmes.

Signing another attacking midfielder may increase fears over Matej Vydra’s future, but Holmes may be more willing to head to Derby over Blackburn over Rotherham in part due to the presence of the legendary Lampard as manager.