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Manchester City’s winter spending spree is underway.

On Monday, the Sky Blues unveiled Abdukodir Khusanov, joining from Lens for a reported fee of £34m.

This week, the Citizens are also expected to complete the signings of Vitor Reis from Palmeiras and Omar Marmoush of Eintracht Frankfurt, but Pep Guardiola is not done yet, now eyeing up a move for one of the most exciting English talents currently playing abroad.

Man City chasing a new winger

According to a report from Spain, Manchester City, alongside Chelsea and Bayern Munich, are set to ‘compete’ for the signing of Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.

Fabrizio Romano adds that Liverpool are also “monitoring the situation”, with Florian Plettenberg and Patrick Berger of Sky Sports Deutschland believing the 20-year-old is valued at around €100m (£85m).

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The Englishman spent time in both Chelsea and Manchester City’s academy set-ups, but ditched the Sky Blues for Borussia Dortmund at the age of 16, taking a similar path to that established by Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho.

Since making his senior debut against Wolfsburg in April 2022, Gittens has scored 16 goals and provided 14 assists in just 84 outings for die Schwarzgelben, registering a goal involvement every 132 minutes on average.

So far this season, despite the fact Nuri Şahin’s side are struggling in general, the youngster has gone to another level, scoring seven times in the Bundesliga and four times in the Champions League, most notably on target against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu in October, as well as in November’s Klassiker draw at Westfalenstadion.

You may know this player as Jamie Bynoe-Gittens however, at the start of this season, he decided to shorten his name following a discussion with his father, the pair agreeing it would be ‘easier to pronounce’.

What Jamie Gittens would bring to Manchester City

Regardless of what is on the back of his shirt, he’s certainly a player to watch, with data analyst Ben Mattinson on X particularly enthused by his “electric pace”, while Sebastian Stafford-Bloor of the Athletic believes his “two-footed finishing and blazing speed” will be impossible for new England manager Thomas Tuchel to ignore.

The 20-year-old is certainly attracting attention from clubs in England, so could we soon see him gracing the Premier League?

Guardiola has plenty of wingers at his disposal already, namely Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, Savinho and Jérémy Doku, but keeps on chopping and changing in search of a winning formula.

Will Unwin of the Guardian has praised Doku’s “maverick tendencies”, saying they provide Man City with something different, which is in stark contrast to Grealish, who Richard Jolly of the Independent believes is no longer “exciting”, with Guardiola’s over-coaching responsible.

Thus, stylistically, the Man City player Gittens is most similar to is certainly Doku, so let’s see how the duo compare.

Appearances

60

85

Minutes

3,162

4,758

Goals

0.37

0.15

Assists

0.23

0.42

Shots

2.99

2.61

Goals – xG

+6.6

+2.4

Attempted take-ons

7.41

7.15

Take on success %

45%

51.6%

Progressive carries

5.44

8.07

Touches

41

44

As the table, using data since the start of last season outlines, Gittens and Doku are very similar players.

Gittens ranks higher for both goals and shots per 90, while Doku has the slight edge when it comes to assists, progressive carries and take-on success %.

Nevertheless, across Europe’s top five leagues this season, Gittens ranks second for attempted take-ons (118), behind only Lamine Yamal, who’s not bad, while the young Englishman also sits eighth for goals – xG, with an impressive tally of +4.6, bettered only by one Bundesliga player, that being Marmoush, who’s already on his way to Man City.

What is clear is that Gittens is a future superstar, so if the Sky Blues, or anyone else for that matter, get the chance to secure his services, they should certainly take it.

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ByRoss Kilvington Jan 18, 2025

Growing more and more desperate for defensive reinforcements amid continued injury setbacks, Manchester City are now reportedly entertaining the possibility of signing one particular addition as soon as the January transfer window.

Man City transfer news

Even after returning to winning ways for the first time in seven games last time out, Man City didn’t escape their battle against Nottingham Forest unscathed, with Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji suffering ill-timed injuries. With Pep Guardiola short on options once again just when he managed to turn a corner with the 3-0 victory, the Spaniard will be desperately awaiting the January transfer window.

On that front, the rumours are already coming thick and fast. The likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Viktor Gyokeres have recently stolen plenty of headlines regarding potential moves to the Etihad Stadium in 2025 in two deals that would go a long way to returning City to the summit of English football.

They’re not the only names to have been mentioned, however. According to GiveMeSport, Manchester City are now entertaining the possibility of signing Juma Bah as soon as January. The central defender is currently on loan at Real Valladolid from AIK Freetong, but the Citizens could attempt to cut that spell short to boost their defensive options in the winter window.

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Still just 18 years old, Bah would likely be seen as someone who can add depth rather than the solution to City’s defensive problems. At such a young age, the teenager would be a wise investment given Guardiola’s proven success when developing the next top stars. So whilst Bah would be entering quite the storm at the Etihad, the calm that follows could potentially result in an impressive rise.

"Promising" Bah is one for the future

With the likes of Kyle Walker and John Stones part of an ageing backline, the addition of a future star in the form of Bah would represent the type of transfer genius that we’ve become familiar with from Manchester City. The Citizens could instantly ease their future concerns by welcoming the teenage sensation, who was described as “promising” by EuroFoot after an impressive display for Valladolid.

If the Premier League champions are to make their move in the January transfer window, it will be interesting to see just how much of a part Bah plays. The last thing that City should do is disrupt his development and leave him confined to the reserves, and if that is to be the case, they should allow the defender to at least complete the season at Valladolid and continue to steal the headlines.

A Celtic player who reportedly picks up around £11,000-a-week at Parkhead is close to a January exit.

Celtic transfer rumours

The Hoops are once again sitting pretty at the top of the Scottish Premiership, however, the club look like they could have a busy January transfer window, both in terms of incomings and outgoings. Brendan Rodgers has already allowed Stephen Welsh to join Belgian side KV Mechelen on loan this month, and there have been plenty of rumours regarding potential arrivals.

Celtic are working on a deal to bring former defender Kieran Tierney back to Parkhead, with the Arsenal left-back out of contract in the summer. Reports have claimed that Tierney could join Celtic on loan this month before penning a three-year permanent deal back in Glasgow.

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Celtic are also set to make an offer for Bazoumana Toure of Hammarby, with the 18-year-old impressing scout Jay Lefevre, who watched Toure in action over in Sweden.

Another player of interest to Parkhead officials is teenage forward Mason Melia of St Patrick’s Athletic, with Celtic rivalling Premier League heavyweights Tottenham Hotspur and former boss Ange Postecoglou for the Irish youngster.

Celtic’s next 5 fixtures

Date

Ross County vs Celtic

January 11

Dundee vs Celtic

January 14

Celtic vs Kilmarnock

January 18

Celtic vs Young Boys

January 22

Celtic vs Dundee

January 25

More players could also head out the Parkhead door, though, including winger Luis Palma. The Honduras international, who reportedly picks up around £11,000-a-week, came on as a substitute in the recent 2-0 win over Dundee United.

However, that may well be his final game in a green and white shirt following a new transfer development, despite Celtic previously rejecting two approaches for Palma’s services.

Celtic winger Luis Palma reaches agreement with new club

According to reports in Spain, Palma has reached an agreement with Rayo Vallecano and that the La Liga side want a loan deal with a €2.5m option to buy.

The departure of James Rodríguez has opened the door for Vallecano to move for Palma, and The Daily Mail’s reliable reporter Stephen McGowan has added that talks are open between the two clubs, with Rodgers narrowing down a search for a replacement.

“Rayo Vallecano have opened talks over a loan move for Celtic winger Luis Palma. And the Spanish club want a purchase option allowing them to buy the Honduran international for £2.1million.

“Brendan Rodgers is narrowing down the search for a new left winger this month. And, despite appearing as a second-half substitute in Celtic’s 2-0 win over Dundee United on Wednesday night, the 24-year-old has slipped down the pecking order and wants to try his luck elsewhere.”

Palma joined Celtic for around £4m in 2023 after being targeted by rivals Rangers and starred in his first campaign, contributing to 20 goals across all competitions.

However, this season, the 24-year-old hasn’t scored or provided an assist in 10 games, so should the Hoops secure a replacement, an exit could be best for all involved.

Once again turning their attention towards future stars, Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly made preliminary contact to sign an 18-year-old forward who could replace Evan Ferguson.

Brighton transfer news

The Seagulls are already set to miss out on one young talent this month it seems, with Vitor Reis reportedly edging closer and closer to Manchester City despite Brighton initially taking the lead in the race to sign the Brazilian central defender. So, they’ll undoubtedly be keen to avoid a repeat of that failure and complete what would be a vintage move from those in Sussex by welcoming a future star before the end of the window.

Fabian Hurzeler’s side represent an attractive squad to become a part of too, as highlighted in their recent thrashing of Norwich City in the FA Cup. Advancing through to the next round to match their impressive rise into 10th in the Premier League so far this season, Brighton remain a side to watch under the youngest manager in the division’s history.

Away from the action, meanwhile, the Seagulls have also seemingly been busy. According to reports in Spain, Brighton have made preliminary contact to sign Christian Kofane from Spanish second division side Albacete this month.

The 18-year-old forward has emerged onto Brighton’s radar – which rarely misses such talent – and could soon find himself on his way to the Premier League as a result.

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Of course, it’s interesting to see the Seagulls linked with a young forward amid recent speculation over Evan Ferguson’s future. The Irishman has struggled to reach the same heights as his initial breakthrough in the last year or so and has been linked with a move away to the likes of West Ham United as a result. If Brighton now welcome a young striker, his future may be thrown into greater doubt than ever.

"Jewell" Kofane is one to watch

Described as a “jewell” by Spanish journalist Carlos Gomez, Kofane is undoubtedly one to watch – not least because of Real Madrid’s reported interest. The European giants could yet rival Brighton in pursuit of the young forward in what those in Sussex will hope ends in a sensational victory against a club of Madrid’s calibre.

The fact that interest has arrived before Kofane has even made his first-team debut for Albacete paints the picture of an emerging talent destined to reach the very top.

Brighton have already seen one European giant swoop in ahead of them in the race to sign teenage sensation Reis. Now, they must hope to fend off an even greater club in Real Madrid if they want to secure Kofane’s signature and a star striker for years to come as a result this month. The race looks destined to only heat up in the coming weeks.

A “sensational” £100m midfielder has now emerged as Manchester United’s top midfield target ahead of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, with Ruben Amorim personally keen.

Man Utd keen on new midfielder amid Bruno concerns

Amorim has been forced to find a way to fit talisman Bruno Fernandes into his system, but there are concerns about whether the Portugal international is suited to playing in central midfield, with ex-Chelsea man Craig Burley criticising his positional awareness.

Burley said: “They have got no legs in midfield, we’ve talked about this with Casemiro and Ugarte. Bruno Fernandes is playing there, but it’s not his position.

“He doesn’t understand the defensive aspects and the positional aspects of being a deeper-lying midfielder. And it also negates, which we’ve talked about at length, his ability to influence 30 yards further up the field.”

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Perhaps with that in mind, the Red Devils have set out to bring in a new central midfielder, and summer target, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, has remained on the shortlist, with a report from early September revealing plans to smash their transfer record in 2026.

However, according to a report from The i Paper, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has now overtaken Baleba as Man United’s top target in midfield, with Amorim personally keen, as the manager is a fan of his directness and willingness to pass forward.

The Brighton midfielder, on the other hand, has made a disappointing start to the season, which has caused United to think twice about pursuing the Cameroonian, with one insider saying: “A calming influence, a midfielder on a different level with the ball at his feet wouldn’t go amiss right now,”

“Baleba can get about the pitch more, but does he possess Wharton’s quality on the ball? The club could do with the latter.”

"Sensational" Wharton would be very different option to Baleba

The Palace star, who reportedly has a price tag of £100m, is a very different type of player to Baleba, posing more of an attacking threat, while, as previously mentioned, expressing a willingness to drive the ball forward, which is why he has caught Amorim’s eye.

Average per 90 (past year)

Adam Wharton

Carlos Baleba

Assists

0.15

0

Shot-creating actions

3.94

1.88

Progressive passes

5.98

3.33

Tackles

1.90

2.47

Interceptions

1.39

1.53

As shown, the Cameroon international excels more from a defensive point of view, which suggests he is more of a like-for-like replacement for Casemiro, although there have recently been widespread reports suggesting the ex-Real Madrid man could sign a new contract.

As such, Baleba may not be a necessary signing, and it is probably a wise idea to focus on signing Wharton, who has received very high praise from Sky Sports’ Nubaid Haroon in the past.

Liverpool are continuing to push to complete the signing of an “unbelievable” £25m-rated attacking player and could have an advantage over Paris Saint-Germain.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds are being linked with plenty of potential new signings, with Ademola Lookman mentioned as a possible addition in recent times. The former Everton winger is currently thriving at Atalanta, famously scoring a hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final win over Bayer Leverkusen.

Real Valladolid winger Raul Moro is also seen as a rumoured option for Liverpool, with Manchester City mentioned as suitors, too. The 22-year-old has scored three goals in La Liga this season and could be considered a long-term attacking wide addition, proving capable of thriving on either flank.

Andy Robertson’s hit-and-miss form so far this season has been well-documented, with his red card against Fulham in the Premier League last weekend a damaging moment for the Reds, and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez continues to be mentioned as a long-term solution in that position.

Away from the incoming transfer news at Liverpool, the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah continues to be a major talking point. The club are said to have offered the former a new contract, as they look to ensure that his head isn’t turned by a move to Real Madrid next summer.

Liverpool pushing to sign "unbelievable" £25m ace

According to a fresh claim from Foot Mercato [via Sport Witness], Liverpool are pushing to sign Lyon star Rayan Cherki in the January transfer window, looking to snap him up in a potential £25m deal.

The Reds are believed to be ahead of Paris Saint-Germain in the race to acquire the attacking midfielder’s signature, due to Lyon’s “frosty” relationship with their fellow Ligue 1 club.

Cherki has been seen as a target for Liverpool for some time and the idea of him in a Reds shirt is certainly exciting, given the talent and long-term potential that he possesses.

Granted, the 21-year-old is still a raw footballer who is learning his trade, but he has already bagged 22 goals and 32 assists for Lyon, despite his tender years, with journalist Dean Jones describing him as “unbelievable”.

To be able to sign Cherki for just £25m feels like a bargain, considering how high his ceiling is, so Liverpool could see it as an important piece of business to get done in January.

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Granted, Arne Slot isn’t exactly short of attacking options at the moment, but he could add extra quality in attacking midfield, putting pressure on the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Harvey Elliott, having scored and assisted three times apiece in just seven Ligue 1 starts so far this season.

Wrexham are now pushing to sign an “exceptional” League One striker before the end of the January transfer window, according to a report.

Red Dragons going through tricky spell

Since the turn of the year, Phil Parkinson’s side have picked up just one win in five League One matches, which has dented their promotion hopes somewhat, now sitting six points behind second-placed Wycombe Wanderers.

The Red Dragons are still faring very well in their first season in the third tier, remaining in a very strong position to at least reach the play-offs at the end of the season, but Parkinson may feel some extra firepower is needed in attack if his side are going to push for the top two.

With Paul Mullin netting just three times in the league and Ollie Palmer also struggling to find the back of the net this season, the Welsh side have been increasingly reliant on 37-year-old Steven Fletcher for goals over the past few weeks.

Fletcher is now Wrexham’s joint-top scorer in League One with six goals, while promotion rivals Birmingham City and Wycombe have more dependable options in attack in the form of Jay Stansfield and Richard Kone.

According to a report from Football League World, the Red Dragons are looking to rectify that problem in the final days of the winter transfer window, as they are now pushing to sign Reading striker Sam Smith.

Parkinson’s side are now plotting a late swoop for Smith, having seen their automatic promotion hopes take a hit since the turn of the year.

There are signs a deal could be possible, too, as Reading may be forced to cash in on the striker due to the financial issues they are facing under the helm of owner Dai Yongge.

Striker needed at the Cae Ras

Mullin was a revelation at the Cae Ras after arriving from Cambridge United, playing a major role in the Red Dragons securing promotion from the National League and League Two, but it would be fair to say he has struggled to make the step-up to the third tier.

The former Tranmere Rovers man has just two goals to his name in 26 League One outings, failing to find the back of the net in his last six games, having fallen down the pecking order somewhat.

Fletcher has been a more reliable source of goals, but at 37-years-old, the Scot is not a long-term solution for Parkinson in attack, so it is exciting news that a move for Smith could be on the horizon.

The Reading forward is fourth in the League One goal-scoring charts, having netted 11 times in League One this term, following up an impressive 2023-24 campaign in which he bagged 15 goals in 34 outings.

Having been lauded as an “exceptional player” by former Royals boss Ruben Selles earlier this season, there are plenty of signs the 26-year-old could be a real upgrade for Wrexham in attack, and they will be hoping to wrap up a deal before February 3rd.

West Ham United are ready to entertain buyers for a speedy and direct player, as manager Julen Lopetegui attempts to raise January funds and strengthen his squad in key areas.

Julen Lopetegui reveals transfer talks with David Sullivan

Speaking to the press, Lopetegui shared that he’s held conversations with West Ham chairman David Sullivan over plans for the looming winter window.

West Ham chiefs impressed by £49m forward who Lopetegui personally wants

The Spaniard is keen to bring him to east London.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 26, 2024

Technical director Tim Steidten is under pressure at West Ham, following a series of lacklustre investments over the summer window, which saw the club spend over £120 million on new signings – including flop striker Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund.

West Ham are believed to be in the market for a new centre-forward next month, but must first raise funds through player sales, as Lopetegui sits down for talks with Sullivan to discuss the best steps heading into January.

“The talks I have with David I am not going to tell you, but we talk a lot about the team,” said Lopetegui on his meetings with Sullivan.

Liverpool (home)

December 29

Man City (away)

January 4

Fulham (home)

January 14

Crystal Palace (home)

January 18

Aston Villa (away)

January 26

“About the squad and about the next challenge, the only truth I believe is to be focused on the next match. After, we will see what happens.”

While Lopetegui refused to go into too much detail on West Ham’s transfer plans, reports suggest that Real Sociedad star Brais Mendez is a key target for West Ham alongside their pursuit of a new number nine.

It has also been reported that West Ham are serious contenders to sign Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton, so there are rumoured targets on the agenda at Rush Green, but their need to sell after a summer of high expenditure means it could be a tricky one to navigate.

There are a number of squad members who could be forfeited in an attempt to bolster Lopetegui’s transfer kitty, and one of them is now winger Maxwel Cornet.

West Ham put Maxwel Cornet up for sale after Southampton re-call decision

According to The Athletic, Cornet will be recalled from his loan spell at Southampton, with the Ivorian barely making any matchday squads recently and appearing surplus-to-requirement at St. Mary’s.

West Ham are set to put Cornet up for sale once he returns to London, two and a half years after his £17.5 million move from Burnley, and the east Londoners could be hoping to recoup at least some of that fee in an attempt to raise cash.

The 28-year-old was a star player for Burnley in the 2021/2022 season, finishing that Premier League campaign as their top scorer with nine league goals, but it appears he’s failing to rediscover that form behind the scenes.

“Cornet is quick and direct. He could help them get behind,” said the late Kevin Campbell about Cornet back in 2022 (Football Insider).

“Cornet is a runner. He gets in behind and stretches teams. I think that is essential. He is a handful off the bench.”

The unpredictability of Tottenham Hotspur’s campaign has continued into the new year in full force.

In just two weeks, Ange Postecoglou’s side have lost at home to Newcastle United, beat the incredible Liverpool in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final, and then required extra time to beat fifth-tier strugglers Tamworth Town in the FA Cup.

However, with progress being made in two cup competitions, the mood in N17 is more positive than it was last week, and in yet more encouraging developments, the summer signings of Dominic Solanke, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray continue to prove their worth and the manager right.

FA Cup

Tamworth (A)

3-0 AET (W)

League Cup

Liverpool (H)

1-0 (W)

Premier League

Newcastle (H)

2-1 (L)

Premier League

Wolves (H)

2-2 (D)

Premier League

Forest (A)

1-0 (L)

So, recent reports linking the club with a striker currently outscoring Solanke in a move reminiscent of Gray’s should excite the fans.

Tottenham Hotspur chase free-scoring forward

According to a recent report from Spain, Tottenham are interested in West Bromwich Albion’s inform marksman, Josh Maja.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that fierce rivals and fellow Premier League giants Chelsea are also keen on the 26-year-old forward this month.

While competition from the free-spending Blues is far from ideal for the North Londoners, the good news is that, per the report, the former Sunderland ace is valued at around £15m, which for a backup striker is a fee the club could easily justify.

It might be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Maja’s form this season and Spurs’ need for a backup to Solanke, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as there are parallels to Gray’s move in the summer.

How Maja compares to Solanke and Gray

Okay, so before we look at Maja’s form this season and how he stacks up to the man he could be competing with if he were to join Spurs, Solanke, let’s explore the main parallel between his potential move and Gray’s.

The most significant similarity is that, like with the teenager’s transfer, the North Londoners would be swooping in for one of the best players in a promotion-chasing Championship side.

Granted, the potential upside of the 26-year-old forward is far smaller than with the teenage star, but as he is currently West Brom’s top-scorer, he is arguably even more important to them than the Englishman was to Leeds United.

With that out the way, how has the Lewisham-born poacher’s season stacked up to Solanke’s this year?

Well, in just 26 appearances for the Baggies, totalling 2077 minutes, the “sensational” striker, as dubbed by Nigerian football writer Samm Audu, has found the back of the net on 12 occasions, which comes out to an average of a goal every 2.16 games, or every 173 minutes.

Appearances

26

28

Minutes

2077′

2158′

Goals

12

11

Goals per Game

0.46

0.39

Minutes per Goal

173.08′

196.18′

Assists

2

6

Goal Involvements per Game

0.53

0.60

Minutes per Goal Involvement

148.35′

126.94′

In contrast, Postecoglou’s starting centre-forward has found the back of the net on 11 occasions in 28 appearances, totalling 2158 minutes, meaning he is currently averaging a goal every 2.54 games, or every 196.18 minutes.

Now, while that comparison certainly paints the Nigerian international in a brilliant light, it’s important to add that the former Bournemouth star has also provided six assists to his two this term and that the Englishman is operating in a far more challenging league.

However, even with that added context, Maja’s performances this season have been seriously impressive, and while he shouldn’t be looked upon as an upgrade for Solanke, he’d almost certainly be a useful backup, especially as Richarlison continues to suffer from injury setback after injury setback.

Therefore, so long as the price remains at £15m, Daniel Levy and Co should look to bring the West Brom ace to N17, as he’d be a valuable squad player, and the last signing they made from the Championship is settling into the team nicely.

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3 ByMatt Dawson Jan 12, 2025

After parting ways with Paul Warne, Derby County are now reportedly set to make a formal approach to hire a rival manager from within the Championship.

Derby recuse point at Norwich after Warne departs

Having suffered as many as eight defeats on the bounce, Warne was always likely to be a manager in danger of being shown the door and a 1-0 loss against Sheffield United proved to be one too many as the Rams jumped into action. In the depths of a relegation battle, it’s fair to say that those at Pride Park must get their next appointment right.

Releasing a statement after sacking Warne, Owner David Clowes said: “Paul is a man of great integrity and embodies the values we hold important at Derby County. No fan should ever forget his contribution in securing promotion to the Championship. I certainly won’t.

“However, results in football dictate decisions and we felt that to give us the best chance of retaining our Championship status, the time was right to make a change.

“Paul goes with our thanks, gratitude and best wishes. He and his family will always be welcome at Pride Park.”

Now in need of a replacement after Jerry Yates’ late goal earned a point at Norwich on Saturday, the Rams have turned towards a Championship rival. According to John Percy of The Telegraph, Derby are now set to make a formal approach to hire John Eustace, who is currently in charge of Blackburn Rovers.

Given that Blackburn are a side competing for a place in the play-offs, Derby’s attempt to lure Eustace to Pride Park is certainly an ambitious one but they may be hoping that his connection as a former player lures him back to the club.

"Solid" Eustace would be incredible coup

If Derby managed to convince Eustace into ditching his current Blackburn project, which is currently on course for the playoffs, in favour of a relegation battle then it would undoubtedly be among the moves of the season. The ambitious Rams have not been scared away by the contrasting position that Blackburn find themselves in and where there’s a will there is certainly still a way.

Of course, it wasn’t so long ago that Birmingham City were left regretting their decision to sack Eustace in what led to their relegation despite being well-placed to compete for a top six finish when they made their decision. Now, Blackburn should be desperate to keep hold of the Derby target and avoid a similar fate.

Praised for the “very solid job” that he did at Birmingham by fan pundit HLTCO when the shock news of his departure emerged, Eustace should avoid being at the centre of another managerial change and remain on a path to success at Blackburn.

Derby, meanwhile, may find themselves with their tails tucked between their legs if their incredibly ambitious move is shut down before it can even accelerate in the coming weeks.