Derby County given double transfer boost as rivals ‘pessimistic’ about free agent deals
The latest Derby County transfer news from DerbyshireLive as Blackburn look to life after key duo linked with the Rams
Blackburn Rovers are planning for life without both Andi Weimann and Danny Batth, according to the Lancashire Telegraph.
Indeed, the Ewood Park are said to be ‘pessimistic’ about their hopes of retaining either player after weeks of talks. Derby County have been credited with an interest in both striker Weimann and centre back Batth.
The report says Rovers have even been in discussions with former Wolves defender Batth since Easter, but an agreement remains elusive. It is said negotiations are ongoing but unlikely to end the way Valerien Ismael wants.
That will come as good news to John Eustace who obviously worked with the pair during his time as manager at Blackburn and as he looks to bolster a squad needing depth both up front and at the back.
Eustace took both players to Ewood Park, signing on relatively low wages to prove themselves – which both did.
Batth, who at 34-years-old has vast Championship experience, joined on a one-year deal and went on to make 41 appearances in all competitions, taking his total to 353 in England’s second-tier.
Versatile Weimann played right across the attacking positions under Eustace and scored nine times in 34 games. He too has played more than 350 Championship games. The Austrian was at Derby between 2015 and 2018 and played 88 times for the club.
Eustace is looking at his options at centre back, with Nat Phillips not expected to return on loan from Liverpool. Matt Clarke has signed long-term, Sondre Langas and Jake Rooney remain while Curtis Nelson is still out. The Rams are in talks with Lincoln centre back Paudie O’Connor.
Up front, last season’s loan man Jerry Yates has returned to Swansea and Conor Washington has gone and Lars Jorgen Salvesen is coming back from surgery.
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Derby County backed to beat Wrexham to £2m star – He’d be a “great fit”
Rams boss John Eustace is an admirer of the player, having worked with the 27-year-old during his time at Ewood Park.
FLW’s Derby Fan Pundit Shaun Woodward believes the move makes a lot of sense.
Derby urged to move for “solid Championship player”
Speaking to FLW, Derby supporter Shaun was asked whether a move for Travis is positive for the Rams: “Lewis Travis is a solid Championship player, he has played pretty much his whole career in the Championship. He is a good age, he has got a good engine on him and Eustace knows him really well from his time at Blackburn.”
Shaun went on to raise an important point regarding midfield balance: “I think he could be a good fit for Derby. My only doubt would be the fact he is a defensive midfielder, when we already have Ebou Adams, so maybe they can work together as a two, or it allows Adams to be a box-to-box like he was last season at times.”
Experience is a key factor in Travis’ favour
Having avoided relegation on the final day last term, Derby are looking to strengthen with players who can make an immediate impact, and Shaun believes that Travis fits this mould.
“It could work. I think he would be another solid addition to the squad. Someone who has Championship experience that we aren’t taking a chance on. He is ready-made, he has great experience, so yeah, I think he will be a great fit for Derby.’
Wrexham offer competition, Rovers want £2m
The Blackburn skipper has just 12 months left on his deal, and Alan Nixon reports that the club are seeking around £2 million for his services.
Wrexham, backed by owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are also keen.
As per Alan Nixon’s reports last week, the Red Dragons are targeting the Whiston-born central midfielder this summer in a bid to strengthen their own engine room, and it is claimed that Travis would be offered a major increase on his current Rovers wage if he were to make the switch to North Wales.
However, for Derby, they carry the edge in terms of existing familiarity, with Eustace hoping his existing relationship with Travis will help tip the scales.
As per Alan Nixon’s reports last week, the Red Dragons are targeting the Whiston-born central midfielder this summer in a bid to strengthen their own engine room, and it is claimed that Travis would be offered a major increase on his current Rovers wage if he were to make the switch to North Wales.
However, for Derby, they carry the edge in terms of existing familiarity, with Eustace hoping his existing relationship with Travis will help tip the scales.
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