Derby County are desperate to hang onto Joe Ledley but Sunderland boss Chris Coleman has a reunion in his sights.
Derby County are still undefeated in the eight Championship games Joe Ledley has featured in since he signed a short-term deal at Pride Park back in September.
The combative Welsh international has made a huge impact in the East Midlands but, with his deal only running until January, Derby fans have understandably been clamouring for the club to tie Ledley down on a long-term contract.
The Derby Telegraph quotes manager Gary Rowett stating the club’s desire to come to an agreement with the midfielder as soon as possible for fear that another team will jump in and snap him up before the New Year.
And reports in The Mail (24th November, page 74) suggests that Derby are right to be looking over their shoulder. Because Sunderland are understood to be keen on luring the former Celtic and Crystal Palace ace to Wearside.
The Black Cats may be bottom of the Championship, 18 points behind the play-off chasing Derby, but the presence of former Wales boss Chris Coleman in the Stadium of Light dugout means it would not be a major surprise if Ledley was lured to the second-tier basement boys.
But even though Ledley described Coleman as one of the best managers he has ever worked with in November 2016, per The Express, Sunderland’s change of manager surely should not be enough for the tenacious enforcer to risk moving to a club for whom successive relegations is a real possibility.
Sunderland may have a good manager but what they do not have is money, quality in their ranks or an owner committed to the cause. Derby, however, have all three and, what’s more, look to be in a good position to fight for promotion again this season.
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