Derby County in pursuit of Middlesbrough midfielder who Paul Warne loves, but there’s competition

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After the additions of David Ozoh and Lewis Travis, many would have thought Derby County’s midfield was complete for the summer.

Nevertheless, with Ben Osborn set to join Stockport County, John Eustace has opened up to the idea of adding a 14th new player to his squad before today’s 7pm deadline.

Patrick Roberts is a target, but it is in central midfield where the Rams are looking for their next arrival and it’s a face that will be relatively familiar to those at Pride Park.

Derby showed an interest in Dan Barlaser in the closing days of the January transfer window, and now they are keen on the Middlesbrough ace once again. However, there is a twist.

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Derby County seek deal for Middlesbrough’s Dan Barlaser

While they ran out of time back in the winter, it was perhaps a blessing as Harrison Armstrong joined the Rams. But the Everton midfielder is now set to join Preston North End, after Eustace wanted to reunite with the teenager.

Derbyshire Live have reported that Barlaser is back on the club’s radar, with Middlesbrough open to letting the 28-year-old go.

However, there is also interest from Millwall and there is direct competition between the two Championship clubs for a player who made a name for himself at Rotherham United under Paul Warne.

He is yet to make a league appearance under Rob Edwards, and following Boro’s perfect start to the season, it seems unlikely that he will feature anytime soon for the Teessiders.

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Why are the Rams still looking for another midfielder?

Having brought in so many new faces in the middle of the park this summer, it may come as a surprise to see Derby target this area once again.

Ebou Adams, Ozoh, Travis, Liam Thompson and Kenzo Goudmijn are just the senior options that can help fill that holding role, but there is perhaps a lack of a ball-playing number six that the Rams need.

Goudmijn has struggled to adjust to English football, and he may not have the physicality to operate in that position. Therefore, Barlaser can come in and be the pivot for Travis or Adams that Eustace has lacked.

Nonetheless, Millwall may be able to guarantee the player more game time, which could be decisive in any potential negotiations.