Derby County make out-of-window move for “athletic” player in free transfer

Derby County prop up the Championship table and need an incredible turnaround in form to avoid the drop, but that hasn’t stopped the club from turning to the free agent market to try and find rescue.

Eustace prepares Rams for awkward Blackburn reunion

Despite Blackburn Rovers sitting 16 places above Derby in the EFL Championship standings, Rams boss John Eustace swapped Ewood Park for Pride Park in February, replacing Paul Warne in the dugout.

The two sides are set to clash on Saturday in a meeting that could have significant implications at both ends of the table. However, Eustace is only focused on fulfilling his long-term aspirations of eventually reaching the Premier League rather than stoking the flames ahead of facing his former club.

He stated in his pre-match press conference: “When you get 27,000 fans at home, 5,000 away, working in a fantastic environment, it’s set for the Premier League and I want to play my part to make sure Derby get back, however long that takes.

“It’s going to be a process, but it’s going to be a really exciting process to be able to do that and I’m very proud to be the head coach here now and to get us back to where we should be.”

Truthfully, any notion of Derby reaching the top-flight may take years to fulfil. Lying seven points adrift of Cardiff City, they look destined for a return to League One unless Eustace can pull off a minor miracle between now and the end of the campaign.

Nevertheless, a victory over Blackburn could set the tone as the run-in begins to shape up. Now, Eustace is keen to raid the free agent market to increase squad depth available at his disposal.

Derby County take first step towards Jeff Hendrick reunion

As per The Burnley Express, Derby County boss Eustace has confirmed uncontracted midfielder Jeff Hendrick is training with the Rams in a bid to win a deal at Pride Park.

The former Republic of Ireland international has been a free agent since departing Newcastle United at the end of last season. After falling out of favour at St James’s Park, the 33-year-old spent the final year of his contract on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.

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With nearly 150 appearances to his name in the Premier League alongside 79 caps at international level, Hendrick would be a valuable short-term signing for Derby even if his powers have waned slightly with age.

Hailed as a ‘very fit and athletic lad’ by Eustace, the Dublin-born man now appears on course for a return to the club after spending six years at the club following his senior breakthrough back in 2010.

David Ozoh being ruled ouf for the season has left the Rams light in midfield for the remainder of this term, so Eustace has been left with little choice but to see if he can spark Hendrick’s career back into life.