Derby County submit fresh 7-figure transfer offer for Max Johnston | OneFootball

Derby County have seen two bids rejected by Sturm Graz for Max Johnston already this summer

Derby County have made an improved offer worth £2 million for Sturm Graz defender Max Johnston.

According to the Sky Sports Transfer Centre (August 21, 9.30am), the Rams have come back with a third bid to sign the full-back after already seeing two proposals turned down this summer.

John Eustace is keen to bolster his squad ahead of the transfer deadline on September 1, and that includes in the right-back position.

Johnston is now into his third season in the Austrian Bundesliga, having moved from Motherwell in the summer of 2023, but he could be on the move in the final week-and-a-half of the window.

Derby County improve Max Johnston transfer offer with £2m bid

Derby have reportedly made an offer worth £2 million to Austrian champions Sturm Graz in their attempt to sign Johnston this summer.

It is believed that the Rams have also improved the add-ons that will be included in the deal, should it be accepted.

The Rams have previously made bids worth £1.4 million and £1.6 million, but have been unable to strike a deal with Sturm Graz for Johnston's services.

Derby aren't alone in the race to sign the two-cap Scotland international though, with Serie A side Bologna also reportedly keen on the defender.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a successful time in Graz, making 44 league appearances in his first two years, contributing one goal and six assists as the team won back-to-back league titles.

Johnston has also started all three of the team’s opening league fixtures this season, even scoring in their 3-1 win over Ried last weekend, but also played 57 minutes in a disastrous 5-0 defeat in UEFA Champions League qualifying action to Bodø/Glimt on Wednesday evening, leaving Sturm Graz with it all to do in the second leg.

Derby County’s summer transfer business so far

Derby have been quite active so far this summer, bringing in a number of fresh faces after their 19th place finish in the table last season.

This has been Eustace’s first chance to make changes to the Rams’ squad after being appointed as manager back in February.

The Championship side have signed Patrick Agyemang, Carlton Morris, Rhian Brewster, Andreas Weimann, Danny Batth and Richard O’Donnell on a permanent basis, whilst Bobby Clark, Dion Sanderson, Owen Beck and David Ozoh have all joined on loan.

Derby are running out of time to get a deal sorted for Max Johnston

This is Derby’s third offer for Johnston, and if it’s not enough then they will have to seriously consider alternative options.

Time is running out when it comes to getting transfers over the line, with just over a week remaining in the market.

An offer of £2 million might be enough to convince Sturm Graz to sell, and that would prove a good deal for the Championship side.