Derby County eyeing swoop for midfielder relegated from Premier League last season | OneFootball

Derby County are interested in signing midfielder Dale Stephens as their squad rebuild continues, journalist Alan Nixon has reported via Patreon.

After a long spell with Brighton that saw him make over 200 appearances for the club, Stephens joined Burnley back in the summer of 2020.

The midfielder struggled for game time at Turf Moor however, making just 14 appearances in all competitions for the Clarets.

Stephens was released at the end of his contract earlier this summer, following the club’s relegation from the Premier League last season.

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Now it seems as though a move to League One could be on the cards for the 33-year-old, with this latest update claiming that Derby are keen to sign Stephens, as they look to bounce back after relegation from the Championship.

It is thought that Rams boss Liam Rosenior is a fan of the midfielder, having worked alongside him at Brighton.

It has already been a busy few days of incomings for Derby since they exited administration, with Tom Barkhuizen, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Joe Wildsmith, Conor Hourihane, James Chester and David McGoldrick all joining the club permanently.

Meanwhile, Haydon Roberts has completed a loan move from Brighton until the end of the season.

The Verdict

This does look as though it could be a very good signing for Derby if they can get it done.

Despite the signings they have already made, it still looks as though the squad could benefit from some extra strength in depth, given the number of players who have moved on recently.

Stephens would provide high quality experience, something they do seem to be looking for this summer, and the fact he has spent the last six years in the Premier League, would make this a statement of intent.

On a free transfer, this would make financial sense as well, while the fact he knows Rosenior could help him to settle and transition after the move, meaning this does look to be well worth pursuing for Derby.