Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit drops claim on Derby County's chances of securing "great coup" for Ipswich Town player | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has spoken exclusively to Football League World about the Rams' chances of signing Marcus Harness in the summer.

Lee Hendrie has backed Derby County to complete the permanent signing of Marcus Harness from Ipswich Town in the summer, but only if they survive in the Championship.

The Rams are just one point above the drop zone heading into the final four games of the season, but they do face three of the bottom seven during this run and they must fancy themselves to stay above Cardiff City, Luton Town and Plymouth Argyle.

It is the Hatters who John Eustace's side welcome to Pride Park on Friday at lunchtime, with a near sell-out crowd expected in DE24 for a high-pressure game between two sides who have spent the majority of 2024/25 involved in the relegation scrap.

Nevertheless, plans will already be in place for the summer transfer window, with Derby's squad needing improvements throughout, and keeping an attacking threat for the new season will be high-up on the list in the East Midlands.

Lee Hendrie's verdict on potential Derby County, Ipswich Town Marcus Harness transfer

It's been a campaign of two halves for Harness, with his performances under Paul Warne often leaving supporters wanting much more.

However, he was extremely impressive throughout March, and earned himself a nomination for the Championship's Player of the Month award. While he was unable to win it, it was proof of how far he has come under Eustace.

Questions will be asked about the 29-year-old's future, and speaking exclusively to Football League World, Lee Hendrie has told Derby to push for a permanent deal for the attacker.

He told FLW: "He's a player who I've always thought could produce really good moments, which he has done season after season in the Championship.

"I think the big case for Derby is if they stay in the Championship, which still looks like it's hanging in the balance the way that teams are performing below them and how tight it is."

Hendrie continued: "He has to make his own mind up. It's not just the club, but it's the player who will probably want to play in the Championship and the possibilities of going to League One for Derby are still there.

"So, I think if they stay in the Championship, yes. I think it'd be a great coup for Derby, because of the way he plays and I'm sure John Eustace thinks that way too. So, it'll be all about whether they survive and stay in the Championship, and if they do, I would keep him."

Marcus Harness needs to show more consistency if Derby are to consider him next season

While his form has improved in the last month, over the course of the season, Harness has not exactly proven why he should be signed by the Rams.

If Derby survive, they must sign better than what they currently have to avoid a repeat of this situation in 2025/26, and that means the Ipswich Town loanee must be left at his parent club as Eustace has to find a player better than him.

A cheap deal could allow Harness to return on a permanent basis, but his game time would be limited as the Rams look to bring in more quality and this may not appeal to him as much as a move elsewhere where he could be a guaranteed starter.

Nevertheless, Derby need the winger, who is playing as a second striker in this current system, to end the season strongly and help keep his team in the second tier.