Derby County transfer notebook with playmaker 'talks', Agyemang latest and Russell verdict

Derby County head coach John Eustace has made an impressive start to the transfer window after recruiting Carlton Morris and more arrivals imminent.

Morris signed a three-year contract last Thursday to become the club's first summer signing, and he is set to be followed by Blackburn duo Andi Weimann and Danny Batth.

It is expected to be a busy summer for Derby as they aim to build a competitive squad ready for the season opener at Stoke City on August 9 (3pm).

But as the rumour mill continues to grind out speculation around the Rams, Leigh Curtis opens up his notebook on the deals that are real, imagined or unlikely to happen...

A step up for Agyemang

Former USA international Stuart Holden believes a move to Derby County would represent a step up for striker Patrick Agyemang should he complete a switch to Pride Park.

The Rams are hoping to clinch a deal worth around £5m for the Charlotte FC striker, who is currently away with his country at the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Agyemang has shot to prominence across the Atlantic with five goals in nine games for his country and has received praise from USA boss and ex-Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Talk of a move to England for the 24-year-old has sparked plenty of headlines, and former Bolton and Sunderland midfielder Holden is the latest to give his view.

Speaking on the Alexi Lalas show, he feels a switch to the Championship would give him a test.

Asked if it was a step up, Holden said: "Yes, I think so because of the opportunity for him to potentially play in the Premier League.

"For a young player I think it is a step up in that this point of his career, it's a different type of challenge.

"I am not saying the level is that much better than the MLS. It might be the same type of level as the English Championship.

"It puts him in an environment where he's going to be forced to grow to compete in a different way that we're going to see a little bit more from him. I think we will find out maybe where his level is at that level.

"Scoring goals in the Championship does not guarantee you a place in the national team. Hello Josh Sargent. He had a lights-out year coming back from injury with Norwich, and yet Pochettino left him out for footballing decisions.

"I don't know where that leaves Agyemang. The Championship is tough. But I think that is why Derby have recruited him."

Rams in for Swift?

Derby County have reportedly held talks with John Swift as the former West Brom playmaker looks for his next club.

Stoke City have also been credited with an interest in the ex-Reading man, who was released by the Baggies at the end of the campaign.

Derby attempted to sign Swift on deadline day in January but a switch did not materialise with the 30-year-old opting to stay at the Hawthorns.

Portsmouth had also been mooted as a potential destination, but talks of a move to Fratton Park have since cooled significantly.

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Swift went on to play 10 more games for Albion, the January window closed, and he did not feature against the Rams, who beat West Brom 3-1 towards the end of the campaign.

He has operated at Championship level throughout his career and he scored 11 goals and registered 10 assists in his final season with Reading in 2021-22.

Six goals and nine assists followed in his first season with West Brom, before he scored nine goals in the 2023-25 season.

Last season was much tougher for the ex-Chelsea man, who scored three times and registered just one assist as he darted in and out of the starting XI.

Rams backed for Russell

Jon Russell would be the perfect foil for Derby County midfielder Ebou Adams, according to Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie.

Derby have been linked with a move for the Barnsley midfielder who scored 11 goals in League One last season.

The Jamaican international is entering the final year of his contract at the Tykes who could lose him for nothing next summer if he does not pen a new deal.

That could force them to consider a sale, and Russell is not likely to be short of suitors given his box-to-box style and a player who has an eye for a pass.

And Hendrie believes he could provide the silk to Adams' steel at Pride Park.

"I think both had great seasons last season," Hendrie told FLW.

"And when you compare the two, Ebou Adams is more of a break-up play, defensive style midfielder who is really important to Derby's plans and how they work and play.

"Jon Russell is a more dynamic midfielder who can get forward, join attacks and score goals.

"So, I think this would be a great partnership in the Championship."

Who would you like Derby to sign? Have your say HERE.