John Eustace holds talks with experienced Championship midfielder, Derby County face Stoke City competition
Derby County are making moves in the transfer market, and they are quickly becoming one team to watch ahead of the new season.
John Eustace was praised by Ebou Adams back in May as the Rams avoided relegation on the final day of the campaign and now he has started adding to his squad in preparation for 2025/26.
Derby have already added Carlton Morris to their ranks and they are reportedly closing in on a £5.1m move for Patrick Agyemang, as per ESPN.
Nevertheless, bringing in quality in midfield is still needed and with Andreas Weimann set to move back to Pride Park, there is now another name linked with a transfer to the Rams. However, supporters will already be familiar with his name.
Derby County and Stoke City battle it out for John Swift
On 1 July, all players who are out of contract at their clubs will officially become free agents and there will be a huge rush for signings in the next week or so. Included in that group is John Swift, with the midfielder set to leave West Brom.
Now, as per Birmingham World, it has emerged that both Derby and Stoke City have held talks with the 29-year-old, while another two clubs are interested in the former Reading man.
The Telegraph reported in February that the Rams tried to bring Swift to the East Midlands in January, but a deal fell through in the closing hours of the transfer window and he finished the season with West Brom at The Hawthorns.
Portsmouth tried to sign Swift, but they failed to get the move over the line early this summer in what is a boost to Derby as Eustace looks to bring in more goals to his team.
John Swift is in need of a fresh start after torrid 2024/25 season
In a fans’ forum last week, Eustace explained that he wants to revert to a 4-2-3-1 next season, and this formation will benefit the likes of Kenzo Goudmijn greatly.
However, competition for that attacking midfield place is necessary and Swift can provide that if a deal is agreed between the player and the club.
Nevertheless, there will be concerns over his performances last season and a fresh start is needed. Eustace has an excellent track record of turning the fortunes of those who are struggling and Swift would benefit from this if Derby do beat Stoke to the signing of the soon-to-be free agent.
Leave a Reply