Derby County news: Patrick Agyemang transfer slammed, Birmingham City & Fulham duo wanted by Eustace | OneFootball

Derby County are having a busy summer transfer window, and they're not done yet. Here's a round-up of the latest news from Pride Park.

Derby County have already been active in the summer transfer window, and there don't seem to be any signs of them slowing down.

Following last season's narrow escape from the Championship relegation battle, the Rams are rebuilding under manager John Eusace ahead of the start of the new season.

Derby only avoided relegation back to League One on the final day of the 2024-25 season, and they apparently do not want to cut things that close again. As such, this has already been a busy summer for the club in the transfer market, with rumours still flying around concerning who else may be joining them.

FLW has a round-up of the latest stories emerging from Pride Park as Derby's summer transfer activity progresses and intensifies.

Dean Smith speaks out on Patrick Agyemang's imminent Derby County transfer - he's not happy

USA international striker Patrick Agyemang is due to fly to England to complete his transfer to Derby for a fee of £5.8 million, but in comments made to the media, Charlotte FC manager Dean Smith seems less than happy at the way in which this deal is transporing..

The ex-Aston Villa manager told the media in the USA that he believes Agyemang's expected transfer to Derby is being pushed by his representatives, rather than by the player himself, and he's advised the forward that Pride Park wouldn't be the best move for him.

"I've had the conversation with Patrick and my answer was that I don't think he should (move to Derby).

"As long as the player is the one making the decision and not his representatives. Because I did remind Patrick that agents work for you and not the other way around.

"It's something we have been aware of, with the fact we have not been able to agree a contract with Patrick and his representatives, it has always indicated that this was likely to happen, whether it was in this window or at the end of the season.

"I do feel as if he has probably been pushed by his representatives rather than it being the decision of the actual player.

"It's always been money."

"I thought the club made fair offers, and there were a number of offers in January. I spoke to Patrick about where I think he should be and what he should do, but his representatives had totally different ideas."

Smith's comments do not seem likely to prevent the transfer from taking place.

His Charlotte FC team is currently in 10th place in the 15-club MLS Eastern Conference, two points short of having any chance of a play-off place at the end of their 2025 season, and they are now set to lose their star striker.

Derby County boss John Eustace linked with Dion Sanderson reunion

Reports from Birmingham World have suggested that Derby County are interested in signing defender Dion Sanderson from Birmingham City.

Sanderson is reported to have been transfer-listed by the Blues this summer, and they have described the Rams boss John Eustace, as being "eager to reunite with his former colleague", having worked together at both St. Andrew's and at Blackburn Rovers too.

Sanderson joined Birmingham from Wolves in 2023 and was appointed as the club's First-Team Captain by Eustace.

Since Eustace's departure from the club, though, Sanderson has fallen out of favour at St. Andrew's, and spent the second half of the 2024-25 season on loan at Blackburn.

Eustace was the manager there at the time, but left a month later for Pride Park - Sanderson's game-time at Ewood Park dried up with the manager's departure.

Now, Eustace is keen to have Sanderson's services at his disposal for the third time in his career - whether a move happens remains to be seen.

Derby County facing battle for Fulham midfielder Luke Harris

Fulham midfielder Luke Harris is another transfer target for Derby, although Sky Sports have reported that the Rams may face a battle with Charlton Athletic in order to secure his services.

Harris came through the Fulham academy and turned professional in 2022, but has only made four Premier League appearances since then.

Instead, the 20-year-old has spent the last year-and-a-half on loan, spending the second half of the 2023-24 season at Exeter City before agreeing a season-long loan at Birmingham City for the 2024-25 season, making 29 appearances and scoring three goals, although only ten of those saw him in the Blues' starting 11.

Harris only has a year left on his Fulham contract, although the Cottagers do also have the option to extend it by a further 12 months, meaning that now could be a good time for them to cash in by selling him if they do not see him as a future first-teamer.

But Derby are not alone in their interest in the 20-year-old, and they may have to overcome interest from Charlton to land a deal for the Jersey-born playmaker.