"I’d be very shocked" - Claim made as Derby County eye £5m Chelsea raid | OneFootball

FLW's Derby County fan pundit has given his verdict on a potential £5m deal for Alfie Gilchrist

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Derby County have held talks with Chelsea over a potential move for Alfie Gilchrist this summer.

According to journalist Mike McGrath, the two clubs have discussed terms on a potential deal to bring the full-back to Pride Park.

John Eustace is looking to build a team capable of improving on the Rams’ 19th place finish in the table last season, with Ben Jacobs claiming a deal could cost £5 million.

Gilchrist spent the campaign on loan with Sheffield United, where he featured 30 times as the Blades reached the play-off final under Chris Wilder.

Alfie Gilchrist transfer fee issue raised

When asked about a potential £5 million fee, FLW’s Derby fan pundit Shaun Woodward expressed his surprise at the prospect of that kind of figure being spent.

He believes a loan deal is far more likely at this stage, but suggested the defender would be a good signing in an area where he feels the squad needs to be strengthened.

“I’d be very surprised if we were to splash out another £5 million on a right-back,” Woodward told Football League World.

“I’d be very shocked if we’ve got that kind of money free after spending £5-6 million on Agyemang, but maybe a loan would be more beneficial for both parties.

“Because he’d get some experience at Championship level again and potentially at the end of that loan deal we could look to buy him.

“But I’d be very surprised if we actually splashed out the £5 million now for him.

“He’s a very good young player though, very highly thought of at Chelsea, and the Sheffield United fans spoke very well about him last season, played over 30 games I believe in a side that made it to the play-off final.

“So, clearly a talented young man, that’s highly regarded as an old-school defender, well above his years.

“I’d be more than happy to see him come in, because right-back is definitely an area where we really do struggle with Nyambe getting injured frequently.

“[Kane] Wilson isn’t a right-back, he’s more of a wing-back or a winger and Joe Ward is another injury prone player that is more suited to a more wing-back role rather than a full-back, so it’s definitely an area we need to strengthen.

“More than happy if he came in, be interesting to see if Eustace can develop him and bring him to an even better level than he already was at.”

Derby will begin their upcoming campaign with a clash against Stoke City on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off.

Gilchrist signing would be a good move for Derby

Chelsea will be looking to earn some money in a sale for Gilchrist, as a pathway into the first team doesn’t look likely at this stage.

Perhaps a loan with an option or obligation to buy could be a compromise that works well for all parties.

Gilchrist proved himself a very capable Championship player last season with Sheffield United, so his arrival at Derby would be a boost to Eustace’s side.