Derby County news: Transfer truth on Sunderland link, £1.6m bid snubbed, Rhian Brewster claim | OneFootball

All the latest news surrounding Derby County

Derby County are preparing for their second season back in the Championship after gaining League One promotion in 2024.

The Rams consolidated their place back in the second division under John Eustace, with the team coming 19th in the table last season.

The Derbyshire outfit have been busy this summer, with this being the 45-year-old’s first opportunity to shape the squad to his liking after arriving as manager in February.

The club have signed the likes of David Ozoh, Patrick Agyemang, Rhian Brewster, Andreas Weimann, Danny Batth, Carlton Morris and Richard O’Donnell.

Here we look at all the latest Derby news ahead of their opening clash of the season against Stoke City this Saturday…

Nectarios Triantis claim

It was reported that Derby’s £1.2 million bid for Sunderland defender Nectarios Triantis was rejected.

But Eustace has claimed that the centre-back is not someone that is on their radar at the moment.

The Rams boss praised the Australian’s ability, but suggested he’s not a player they’re targeting this summer.

"That's not a name I have been speaking about with the club,” said Eustace, via Derbyshire Live.

“I think his agent might be putting it out there, possibly.

"I know the boy. He's a good young lad. He's 21/22 and had a good loan with Hibs last year

“He is a good player, but he is not somebody at the moment we are looking at."

Max Johnston bid rejected

Derby are eyeing a move for Sturm Graz defender Max Johnston this summer, with the club eyeing reinforcement at the back.

According to Sky Sports (18.41), an offer worth £1.6 million has been turned down by the Austrian outfit.

The Rams made an initial bid of £1.4 million, but will need a further increase on that if they’re to sign the 21-year-old this summer.

Johnston still has two years remaining on his current contract, with other clubs across Europe also interested in a move.

Rhian Brewster opens up on Derby County move

Brewster made the switch from Sheffield United to Derby as a free agent, ending his five year stint at Bramall Lane.

The forward has opened up on his decision to make the switch to Pride Park, suggesting it was an easy choice after discussing everything with the manager and other players at the club, namely Ben Osborn and Kane Wilson.

"I'm very happy and very delighted to join this great club,” said Brewster, via the club’s official website.

“It's been busy but after speaking to all the boys and the manager and stuff like that, it was a no-brainer.

“I feel this is a big opportunity for me - and one I had to grab with two hands. Hopefully, I can show that this year.

"I know Ben Osborn from being at Sheffield United and also Kane Wilson through playing with England at youth level.

"For me, the project that John Eustace has set out, for me, was a no-brainer to be involved with.

“It sounded really good and is something that I want to be a part of, heading to bigger and better things with this club.

"There is so much more for me to do - I've got a point to prove.

“I feel like I can always get better, no matter how old you are.

“There are always things to learn. I believe that will happen here with the manager, staff and players alongside helping me along the way.

"I'm very, very excited. I just want to train with the boys and head straight in.

“There are exciting times ahead, for sure."

Lee Hendrie makes Rhian Brewster transfer claim

Lee Hendrie has praised the deal to capture Brewster from Sheffield United, claiming he could fit in well with the other new forward options the club have signed.

He believes that the 25-year-old has been looking stronger, and that this is a deal with a lot of potential for the Rams.

"I think he'll be a really good signing for Derby County," Hendrie exclusively told FLW.

"I think he was just getting back to full fitness [with the Blades].

“You could see that he was looking a hell of a lot stronger than what he was, and obviously they've got lots of potential in that forward area.

"[They've got] lots of experience with the likes of Morris and Weimann, [and] obviously the new signing as well, Agyemang.

“Again, you don't know what you're quite going to get, but it could be a real rough diamond there.

"But I think Rhian Brewster will have a point to prove.

“You've seen that he played for Sheffield United in a number of positions again.

“So he can play out wide and come in from wide areas, which would be very good for Derby.