Exclusive: Stockport County leading Plymouth Argyle in race to sign Derby County player | OneFootball

Stockport County have jumped ahead of League One rivals Plymouth Argyle in the race for Derby County's Ben Osborn, Football League World understands

Stockport County are now the front-runners in the race to sign Derby County utility man Ben Osborn ahead of League One rivals Plymouth Argyle as we edge ever closer to this evening's 7pm transfer deadline, sources have exclusively revealed to Football League World.

Dave Challinor's side have endured a mixed start to the 2025/26 campaign after making it to last season's League One play-off semi-finals, winning three, drawing two and losing one of their opening six divisional encounters.

Results have, however, dried up of late following three consecutive victories over Bolton Wanderers, Wycombe and Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Cup first-round to initiate August in strong style.

Stockport have made a clutch of signings this summer, bringing the likes of Owen Dodgson, Nathan Lowe and Malik Mothersille to Edgeley Park in a bid to gain promotion to the Championship at the second time of asking.

However, it has become clear that further reinforcements are needed by the end of play today in order for Stockport to compete at the very top-end of the division once again this term, and they are accordingly advancing in their pursuit of Osborn's services.

Stockport County leading Plymouth Argyle in Derby County, Ben Osborn transfer race

Stockport remain intent on doing business ahead of tonight's deadline, and sources close to Football League World have revealed that the Hatters are interested in landing Osborn from Championship side Derby.

It's understood that Stockport are now leading the race for Osborn's signature, which, as also first called by FLW, is of interest to third-tier rivals Plymouth, with the Pilgrims having submitted a loan enquiry as they seek to remedy a miserable start to the season under Tom Cleverley after suffering relegation from the Championship.

31-year-old Osborn is seemingly surplus to requirements at Derby, and was a bit-part player for the Rams last time out as John Eustace navigated the side to Championship survival.

The former Nottingham Forest star featured on 25 occasions in the Championship in his first campaign back in the East Midlands, but just three of those appearances came after Eustace's appointment in February and he is yet to play in the league so far this term, with both of his two outings in 2025/26 coming in the EFL Cup.

Derby County's Ben Osborn would be a strong signing for Stockport County

Though Osborn has struggled to hit the expected heights back closer to home with Derby, his signing could prove an impressive one at League One level.

The experienced and versatile operator, who can feature just about anywhere in midfield and up and down the left-hand side, has spent the vast majority of his career in the Championship for a reason.

He has experience in competing for, and winning, promotion, and has also made 61 appearances in the Premier League, which means he would bring no shortage of pedigree and top-level know-how to Challinor's ranks.

Osborn would give Challinor an additional, and high-quality, option in a number of areas on the pitch, while his extensive nous would also be a welcomed asset in the dressing room and Plymouth's loss could well turn out to be Stockport's gain, should they win the race.