Exclusive: Derby County eyeing double Blackburn Rovers transfer raid | OneFootball

John Eustace is keeping tabs on Weimann and Batth's situations at Blackburn Rovers

Derby County will marry experience with exciting athletic talent as John Eustace looks to build upon his rescue act at Pride Park.

The Rams mounted a successful survival bid as their former midfielder swapped a promotion push with Blackburn Rovers to engineer a remarkable rise away from danger.

Twenty-one points earned from 14 matches ensured that Derby escaped on the final day of last season following a goalless draw with Stoke City that saw both teams end with their status intact.

And now Eustace looks set to compete with his former club for a couple of players he believes can provide a solid Championship backbone to his side.

Derby County eyeing Weimann and Batth

Blackburn have offered year-long deals to striker Andi Weimann and defender Danny Batth and Football League World understands that both are on the radar of the Rams’ chief.

The duo proved themselves at Ewood Park during the past 12 months and Eustace believes they have more to give as he looks to re-shape his squad.

Batth, 34, made 37 appearances for the Lancashire side last term after agreeing a one-year deal.

Weimann, 33, was recruited on a similar length of deal - notching seven goals in 30 appearances as Rovers were one of the surprise packages during the opening exchanges of the campaign.

Derby will attempt to persuade the duo that their future lies in the Midlands rather than Lancashire and with both having settled in the region following spells at Wolves and Aston Villa respectively, it may be that this proves crucial given the terms on offer.

John Eustace's plan at Derby County

The recruitment of these two solid performers in the second tier forms only part of Eustace’s overall plan, however.

The ex-Republic of Ireland midfielder is keen to add some fresh dynamism to his entire squad.

The Rams chief may have earmarked two solid performers at this level but he is determined to freshen up the ranks.

Former boss Paul Warne had one of the lower wage bills in the division following the club’s elevation from League One 12 months ago.

Eustace has been told of the parameters within which he can work this summer.

And while they are an improvement on the budget enjoyed by Warne, it appears likely that Derby will have to play a cagey game if they are to build a squad capable of challenging at the right end of the table next season.