Derby County close in on deal for nine-capped USA striker, but there’s other Championship interest

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Derby County’s first signing of the summer feels as though it is just days away from being announced.

The Rams have booked in a medical for Carlton Morris as John Eustace prepares to link back up with Andreas Weimann and Danny Batth from Blackburn Rovers.

The season ahead is huge for Derby, after they stayed up on the final day in 2024/25, and their head coach is targeting forwards in this early stage of the summer transfer window.

Supporters are just a day away from finding out who they will be playing on the opening day of the campaign, with fixture release day on 26 June, and they may just be celebrating the arrival of a new striker in the next week.

• READ MORE – Derby County’s five most expensive signings of all time as the Rams await investment

Derby County make advance to sign Patrick Agyemang

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, it was reported by Fabrizio Romano that Derby are making a move for Charlotte FC striker, Patrick Agyemang.

The 24-year-old has scored six goals in 16 MLS games this season and he has also enjoyed a very good start to his international career, firing the ball into the back of the net six times in just nine matches.

The 6ft 4in striker has worked under Dean Smith since December 2023 but our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, has told EFL Analysis that there is also interest from Ipswich Town, Southampton and Millwall in the Championship.

However, it is thought that Derby are confident that they can land a deal for the American, and we understand that Agyemang is impressed with their plans.

• READ MORE – Every incoming and outgoing at Derby County in the summer transfer window

Patrick Agyemang can bring even more physicality to this Rams side

The height of the American is the standout feature of his game, and Eustace will be keen to work with that if he is able to secure Agyemang’s signature in the next week or so.

He’s outperformed his xG (5.06) in the MLS so far this season and he has also shown that he is willing to work for the ball, as he has won 74 ground duels for Charlotte in 2025.

Playing alongside Morris, Agyemang will provide a different threat for Derby, mostly due to his height, and it still allows the Rams to have a threat from set pieces following a very strong campaign from dead balls.

Despite being an out-and-out striker, the 24-year-old is also comfortable in helping set up teammates and after creating 19 chances in just 16 MLS games this season, it is clear why Eustace is such a fan.