Derby County are reportedly set to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Julien de Sart.
According to the Teesside Gazette, Middlesbrough midfielder Julien de Sart is set to join Derby County on loan until the end of the season having completed a medical on Tuesday.
De Sart, 22, joined Middlesbrough from Standard de Liege back in February 2016, but made just two appearances in the Championship as Aitor Karanka’s side won promotion.
General view of Derby’s Pride Park
The Belgian then saw Marten de Roon arrive from Atalanta over the summer, and with the likes of Adam Clayton, Adam Forshaw and Grant Leadbitter all competing for places in Karanka’s midfield, De Sart has been the odd man out.
Now, De Sart looks set for a move away from the Riverside Stadium, as the Teesside Gazette report that a loan deal with Derby County is on the verge of completion.
Derby County Manager Steve McClaren
Rams boss Steve McClaren – formerly of Middlesbrough – is keen to strengthen his midfield options during this month’s transfer window, with his Derby side currently sitting just two points off the play-offs.
McClaren appears to have identified De Sart as the man he wants to bring to Pride Park, and a deal to take him until the end of the season appears to be all but done.
De Sart is believed to have completed a medical with the Rams on Tuesday night, with Middlesbrough keen to get him playing first-team football.
De Sart will now compete with the likes of Bradley Johnson, Will Hughes, Jacob Butterfield and Craig Bryson for a place in midfield, with McClaren looking for more options in the middle of the park.
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