Rob Couhig could upset Derby County fans again with Reading transfer hijack

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When Derby County went into administration in September 2021, they could have so easily done so as a League One club.

The Rams survived on the final day of the 2020/21 campaign thanks to a remarkable 3-3 draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday, with Marlon Pack’s goal for Cardiff City against Rotherham United sending the Millers down alongside the Owls.

However, it was Wycombe Wanderers who finished 22nd that season, just behind Wayne Rooney’s side. The Rams were deducted 21 points just months later for entering administration and for historical financial breaches.

Derby have recovered well, and with investment on the horizon at Pride Park, the new campaign is one of hope for John Eustace. But, they now face competition from Reading as they seek out a deal for a defender, and there is one familiar face in this potential transfer hijack.

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Reading look to beat Derby County to Paudie O’Connor

The Rams have been in talks with Paudie O’Connor as the centre-back prepares to leave Lincoln City, but the Royals have now entered the race.

As per James Earnshaw, Reading have been chasing a deal for the defender throughout the summer who has links to manager Noel Hunt’s brother, Stephen Hunt.

The 27-year-old has also been the subject of interest from League One clubs Barnsley and Huddersfield Town, according to Derbyshire Live, and he is one of the most highly sought-after free agents in the EFL right now.

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Rob Couhig has a history with the Rams

Rob Couhig purchased Reading back in May, saving the club from the unknown after years of financial trouble. However, they are not the first EFL club that he has worked on, having previously been the owner of Wycombe.

In 2021, the American accused Derby of ‘systematic cheating’ as the Chairboys were relegated to League One while the Rams survived – they have not returned to the Championship since.

Former Derby owner Mel Morris invited both Wycombe and Middlesbrough to the High Court to settle claims with him in 2022, and it was reported by the Daily Mail that Couhig was set to meet the Rams’ administrators.

If Reading can beat the East Midlands outfit to O’Connor, then that will hand the ex-Wycombe chief a little bit of pride, as John Eustace looks to make his first signing of the summer.