Derby is being linked to bring young Sunderland striker Ryan Noble back to Pride Park on loan after an unsuccessful stint last season. The Rams are also close to adding to their keeping depth, Miles is off & Barnes to Forest!
Another Noble Loan?
Ryan Noble came to the Rams last season on loan but after only one appearance as a substitute, succumbed to a back injury and returned to the Black Cats. It is thought that Steve Bruce is keen to keep his 6ft striker to see how he performs in pre-season matches and then will decide if and who he will send Ryan out on loan with.
Ryan Noble finally broke into the Sunderland side towards the end of last season when he managed three appearances as a substitute. The 20 year old has also won six caps for England at U19 level, scoring one goal.
Nigel Clough has made no secret about the fact that an integral part of his strike force for the coming season will be a tall target man who can hold up the ball.
Noble was not really on the pitch long enough to pass judgement last season but after pressing for first team football in the top flight, he may finally be ready to blossom.
If Derby wants to land Noble they will need to fight off other interested parties as both Ipswich Town and Barnsley who are also showing interest in the player.
Keeper Coming?
Adam Legzdins is expected to shortly link up with the Rams from Burton Albion in what is believed to be a deal worth £200,000.
Voted ‘Player of the year’ last season for Burton, the deal is expected to be finalised and announced sometime this week.
Miles Away
A deal confirming Miles Addison will join Barnsley until January should be finalised this week. A move that should be good for all involved!
And finally in the stranger than fiction file….
Giles Barnes looks set to join Nottingham Forest soon as rumours suggest they have offered the former Rams patient a contract.
After sacking Billy I suppose it only fair McLaren gives the Derby fans someone else to boo, though I don’t know how many Rams fans will fit into their injury room?
There were quite strong rumours circulating that Derby were considering Barnes on a ‘pay when you play’ deal but it seems Forest have done us all a favour.
After being released by West Bromwich Albion for not being very good, I am sure Forest will appreciate the injection of a talented player to their long term injury list.
Better on their treatment table than ours!