Derby battle Southampton for player that could be allowed to leave Chelsea this summer | OneFootball

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Football League World

·5 July 2022

Derby battle Southampton for player that could be allowed to leave Chelsea this summer

Article image:Derby battle Southampton for player that could be allowed to leave Chelsea this summer

Derby County are trying to sign 20-year-old Chelsea George Nunn but face competition from Southampton, according to The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg.

With David Clowes’ takeover completed, Liam Rosenior has begun to strengthen his squad ahead of the start of the 2022/23 League One season later this month.


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Steinberg has reported that both Derby and Southampton hold a heavy interest in Nunn, with both said to be trying to sign the youngster.

Hampshire Live has claimed that the 20-year-old will likely be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge permanently this summer but that the Blues may look for a transfer fee after his contract was extended until the end of next term.

It is understood he has been training with Southampton ahead of a potential move but the prospect of regular football with Derby may tempt him to opt to join up with the Pride Park outfit instead.

Nunn, who joined Chelsea from Crewe as a 16-year-old in 2018, is an attacker by trade but was used predominantly as a left wing-back last season.

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The Verdict

It appears Derby are keen to add some high-potential young players to their squad ahead of the new season – likely in an attempt to replace some of the academy prospects they’ve lost in recent years.

Beating Southampton to the signing of Nunn would be something of a coup but the chance to play regular first team football may just tempt him to join the Rams.

The 20-year-old has spent his whole career in age-group football – for both Chelsea and the Republic of Ireland – and could feel he’s ready to make the step up.

It’s unclear what position Rosenior would ask him to play but it appears his versatility could be useful while he may be a potential replacement for departed left-sided defender Lee Buchanan.

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