John Eustace targets £2.2m striker in France, Derby County can frustrate Blackburn Rovers once again

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It’s been a summer of change at Derby County, with plenty of incomings and outgoings already.

The Rams have made five signings so far this summer, with the arrival of Carlton Morris at the start of July kicking everything off for John Eustace and his team.

Less than a month later, both Andreas Weimann and Danny Batth made their way to the East Midlands, while Richard O’Donnell will operate as the third-choice goalkeeper. However, all eyes will be on Patrick Agyemang after his £5.8m move from Charlotte FC.

Despite these arrivals, Derby are keen to keep adding to their squad and now a striker in France has become a target – although they face competition from two of their Championship rivals.

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Derby County target Timothe Nkada, Blackburn Rovers and QPR are also interested

The Rams now have three senior strikers on their books for 2025/26, with Eustace fixing an issue that has been extremely prevalent at Pride Park over the course of the last few seasons.

Derby must not forget about Lars-Jorgen Salvesen, who is returning from injury. However, they are now showing an interest in French striker Timothe Nkada, who plays his football for Rodez in Ligue 2, as per The Sun.

The 26-year-old is available for £2.2m, and with none of the Rams’ senior forwards featuring in pre-season so far, Eustace seems keen on bringing another number nine to DE24 to ensure that there is plenty of cover in that position.

However, Blackburn Rovers and QPR are also keen. Yet, this could give Derby the chance to frustrate the Lancashire outfit once again.

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John Eustace can cause Blackburn Rovers more issues

There has been tension between the Rams and Rovers over the course of the last few months, and it started when Eustace switched Ewood Park for Pride Park in February.

With both Batth and Weimann now joining the 45-year-old at Derby, Valerien Ismael has been frustrated by his predecessor, while the East Midlands side have also previously been keen on Lewis Travis.

Callum Brittain is also of interest to the Rams and if Nkada decides that a move to the middle of England is better for him than one to the north, then Blackburn will rightly be frustrated.

Derby have been a thorn in Rovers’ side for much of 2025, and they will be extremely keen to do the same to their Championship rivals once again this summer.