Derby County are interested in Celtic’s Gustaf Lagerbielke, although he is in negotiations with Heerenveen about a loan, according to the Daily Record.
Derby County are looking for more fresh signings in the final phases of the transfer season as they strive to construct a side capable of remaining in the Championship.
Last season, the Rams pipped Bolton Wanderers to automatic promotion. They followed Portsmouth into the top two, with Oxford United winning the play-offs.
The attention quickly shifted to recruiting players who could help them reclaim their Championship status, but the process is far from over as the window closes.
A new name has been attributed to Derby County.
According to the Daily Record, Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke is attracting attention at Pride Park. It appears that he will be permitted to leave the Scottish club this summer, although there is rival interest.
According to the source, the 24-year-old is now in negotiations with Dutch club Heerenveen about a loan deal. Celtic prefers a sale, therefore the Rams may be able to enter the race that way.
Lagerbielke only joined the club last summer and is under contract until 2028.
More on Lagerbielke
Lagerbielke, a rumoured Derby County target, had gained valuable experience with a number of clubs in his native Sweden before to joining Celtic.
He bounced around clubs on loans and permanent deals until really creating a name for himself at Elfsborg, where he signed in 2021. He appeared 38 times in the Allsvenskan, Sweden’s highest division, scoring five goals.
However, his game time with Celtic has been restricted. He only appeared in seven league games last season, which may explain why the desire to transfer him exists.
It remains to be seen whether he will join Derby County, with Heerenveen negotiating a loan but his club preferring a permanent deal.
Warne’s defensive options
Warne will be trying to improve his centre-back situation before the end of the transfer window.
Derby County’s backline is powerful, including Eiran Cashin, Curtis Nelson, and Sonny Bradley. However, depth is an issue, with only Jake Rooney listed as a natural center-back beyond those three.
Ryan Nyambe and Craig Forsyth are natural full-backs who can fill in, but depending on players outside of their best positions is a danger that should be avoided.
Whether or not Lagerbielke signs, another centre-back is likely to be high on the Rams’ priority list at this late stage in the transfer season.