Derby County are now keen on signing “one of the best” Championship defenders on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.

Eustace looking to put own stamp on his Derby squad

It was a huge risk for John Eustace to leave Blackburn Rovers mid-way through the 2024-25 campaign, but the manager accomplished his initial goal of keeping Derby in the Championship, and he is now looking to put his own stamp on the squad.

Having only narrowly avoided relegation to League One, it could be a case of needing to strengthen in multiple areas if the Rams are to stand any chance of competing in the upper echelons of the table next season, and several targets have already been picked out.

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The Rams are in the market for reinforcements…

BySean Markus Clifford

Lincoln City’s Ethan Erhahon is of interest in central midfield, while Thierry Small has emerged as a target at a left-back, although the defender could be tempted to remain at Chartlon Athletic if his side are victorious in the League One play-off final on Sunday.

According to a report from Football League World, Eustace may also be looking to raid his former club this summer, with two Blackburn Rovers players now entering the frame as potential targets, namely Danny Batth and Andi Weimann.

Batth’s current deal is set to expire this summer, meaning he will be available on a free transfer, but Blackburn still retain some hope of keeping hold of the centre-back, having offered him a one-year contract extension.

Eustace is said to be determined to bring some fresh faces to Pride Park this summer, and he will have more money to play with than Paul Warne in the transfer market, which suggests the Rams could kick on next season.

"Colossal" Batth "one of the best" in the Championship

The defender may be in the latter stages of his career, considering he is now 34-years-old, but he is showing no signs of slowing down, making 41 appearances for Blackburn in all competitions last season.

The Englishman is a real stalwart of the Championship, making a total of 353 appearances in the second tier, and his experience could be of great value to a Derby side looking to kick on next season.

Once lauded as “colossal” by journalist Josh Bunting, the former Sunderland man was also described as being among the Championship’s top defenders last season, courtesy of an impressive performance against promotion-winning Burnley.

As such, Batth could be a shrewd signing on a free transfer, and the Rams will be hoping the experienced defender is keen on a reunion with his former manager.