Derby are going to have to get moving if they intend to land Jason Shackell as other clubs have joined the hunt while Chris Maguire is on the verge of signing a three-year deal that has enraged his former gaffer at Aberdeen.
Clubs Look To Shackle Jason!
It seems that Jason Shackell has informed Barnsley he would like a move away from the club and Burnley, Derby and now Portsmouth are courting the tykes Captain.
After the Rams had a bid of £700,000 turned down it is believed Barnsley is holding out for at least £1 million for their star defender. They believe they will get the million and it is only a matter of time until one or all clubs offer it.
The player had discussions with Pompey earlier this week and if one or more of the clubs involved agree on a fee, then Shackell will be able to decide his preferred destination.
You could be forgiven for thinking that once again other clubs were alerted to the player’s impending availability when the Rams failed to negotiate a fee first or even second time around. Now their Championship opposition plan to snatch Shackell from under their nose should they fail to raid the piggy bank.
If the Rams are serious then let's hope they step up their bid and ensure they snare the quality back. The Rams have consistently leaked goals and the former Wolves player could be just what is required to add more steel to the back four.
Time to pay up or pull out!
Mad Maguire!
Various reports in the Scottish press have Chris Maguire’s three year deal very close to being officially announced by DCFC. Although it will be a positive announcement for the club and the player it seems one person will be far from happy.
Maguire’s former manager at Aberdeen Craig Brown has had a swipe at the Rams and the fact they are content to move on to new targets without having finalised the amount of compensation that will be paid for Maguire.
"I see Derby is paying a reported £400,000 for Craig Bryson without concluding business with us first and that's disappointing".
"We are talking about an international player and an attacker, which makes him a valuable commodity. Even if Derby pays the figure we have put on Maguire, they will be getting a steal."
It seems inevitable that the Maguire deal will be finished and announced before the compensation is set but hopefully the issue will not be hanging over the clubs head for long.
Business is business but it’s inevitable both parties are heading for a FIFA hearing over this one. Hopefully it does not give the Rams a bad reputation in the market place and present clubs with a reason to avoid doing business with Mr. Glick and co.
Whatever the case Mr. Brown is not doing Derby any favours in the public relations department.