Derby County should rival Sunderland for Dylan McGeouch

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Sunderland have reportedly opened talks with former Hibernian man Dylan McGeouch.

According to Sky Sports (live transfer thread, June 22 at 16:24), Sunderland have opened talks with free agent Dylan McGeouch – a player Derby County should also look to sign.

The 25-year-old is currently without a club having recently left Hibernian following the expiration of his contract, a situation which leaves Hibs boss Neil Lennon with a big void to fill north of the border.

McGeough joining Sunderland would be a real coup for the Black Cats. Not only will they be bolstering their midfield, they would arguably be signing the best player in League One without spending a penny on transfer fees.

Derby, having failed in their bid for promotion to the Premier League over the past few seasons, are now coming to terms with the financial implications and their battle with the renowned Financial Fair Play.

It has already been suggested that they may have to sell top scorer Matej Vydra this summer in order to give them a bit of leeway, therefore new boss Frank Lampard must be astute in the transfer market.

Calling in favours from former club Chelsea in terms of loans is a real possibility, but Derby should also be looking to the lower leagues and north of the border where fees are expected to be much lower.

There are plenty of players with potential in League One and in Scotland, and the Rams have enjoyed success in the Scottish market with Craig Bryson and Johnny Russell proving real value for money.

McGeouch, considering he is a freebie, could prove an even greater bargain and he is exactly the sort of player Derby are sorely missing from midfield.

The east Midlands club lack youthfulness, energy and mobility with Tom Huddlestone, Bradley Johnson, Joe Ledley and George Thorne all vulnerable against teams possessing pace in midfield.

McGeough, 25, could help them rectify that and considering his age he has the potential to improve further.

If Derby wish to bring him in, they must make their move now as Sky Sports also reports fellow Championship duo Queens Park Rangers and Blackburn Rovers are also taking a close look at the player.