Derby County poised for first summer signing as Rams set to win transfer race for ‘great’ midfielder

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EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal that Derby County are set to win the transfer race for an impressive midfielder for their first summer signing.

Derby County survived in the Championship on the final day of the season, and now John Eustace is looking for quality reinforcements in his first full season in charge.

The Rams’ 0-0 draw with Stoke City in their final game helped both Derby and the Potters dodge relegation to League One.

Derby chief Stephen Pearce stated that a busy transfer window awaits this summer, as the club attempts to equip Eustace with a squad primed for a better finish next season.

Now, EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal that the Rams are poised to make their first summer signing and win the transfer race for a midfield starlet in high demand.

• READ MORE: Derby County managers ranked by win percentage as Rams prepare for John Eustace’s first full season

Derby County to win race for Bristol Rovers starlet Kamil Conteh

Derby boss Eustace has been boosted in the hunt to sign Nat Phillips permanently this summer, after his impressive loan spell.

The Rams are extremely keen to bring Phillips back to Pride Park, but their first summer signing is set to be in the form of Bristol Rovers starlet Kamil Conteh.

EFL Analysis understands, thanks to information from our Chief Football correspondent, Graeme Bailey, that Derby County are set to win the race for Bristol Rovers midfielder Conteh.

The former Middlesbrough prospect joined Bristol Rovers last year from Grimsby Town, and he impressed hugely for the Pirates, despite their relegation to League Two.

Now, the 22-year-old Sierra Leone international is a target for a host of clubs, with Plymouth Argyle previously showing an interest in him, and we understand that Millwall, Oxford and Peterborough all looked at him earlier in the year.

However, we are told that Derby are set to finalise a deal to land the young midfielder.

Despite suffering relegation to League Two with Rovers, Conteh was one of the shining lights in their campaign, and has proven himself capable of making the step up to Championship football, which he is poised to do with the Rams next season.

• READ MORE: Malcolm Christie will ‘never forget’ Paulo Wanchope moment in his first Derby County training session

Kamil Conteh career statistics ahead of Derby County transfer

Conteh featured 19 times in the third tier for Bristol Rovers, but missed 26 games this season through injury, limiting his game time.

Before his Rovers move, he featured 25 times for Grimsby Town in League Two, 42 times for National League Gateshead, and made a single appearance for Watford in the FA Cup.

Head coach Inigo Calderon, who was sacked by Bristol Rovers following their relegation, via Bristol Live, said of Conteh this season: “For me, the most important thing is I spoke with him last week and I can see him laughing again now because he’s a nice guy,

“Last week he was not that happy anymore so I was about concerned about that.

“But today he’s been laughing and that with the team. He’s a great lad and quite loud in the dressing room so we need him.”

Bristol Rovers’ loss will be Eustace’s gain as midfield starlet Conteh joins the Rams’ ranks to bolster their prospects for their upcoming Championship campaign.