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Derby County are just a couple of days away from their first pre-season fixture of the 2025/26 campaign.
Northern Premier League East Division side Matlock Town await the Rams on Saturday, with John Eustace already going through weeks of preparation at the training ground, Moor Farm.
Patrick Agyemang is closing in on a £5.8m move to the East Midlands, although there will be concerns over the fee Derby are paying for the American. Nevertheless, it is an exciting move as the club awaits investment.
With four new signings already at Pride Park, and a fifth on the way, Eustace is working quickly to get his squad ready for the new season. However, there may be a hold-up with any potential deal for John Eustace.
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Exclusive: Derby County may struggle in any deal for John Swift
The Rams have targeted John Swift, however with Luke Harris also liked by Eustace, there could be plenty of competition for that attacking midfield position in DE24.
In an EFL Analysis exclusive, our Chief Football Correspondent and transfer expert Graeme Bailey has told us more on the situation: “Obviously he’s been linked to Derby. But a move back to Reading has been mentioned too. That’s unlikely, I would think, but stranger things have happened.
“Reading are pretty well stocked in midfield with Charlie Savage and Lewis Wing, but I wouldn’t rule it out. He’s got a lot of options, John Swift. He might have to drop to League One, too. Not necessarily for first-team football, but for the right move, in terms of the contract he could get.
“A League One club might be more willing to give him a two year deal. It’s interesting; there are a few options there for him. Derby are one, but there are others.”
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John Eustace must not give John Swift a two-year deal
If Swift is holding out for a two-year deal, then Eustace must end any pursuit for the ex-West Bromwich Albion man immediately.
Bringing down the average age of the squad is crucial this summer for Derby, and with Andreas Weimann and Danny Batth already through the door, there are plenty of experienced players already at Pride Park.
Kenzo Goudmijn can be the key in a 4-2-3-1 formation, meaning that Swift may not get the minutes that he would want and at 30, there are better options out there with more longevity than the ex-Reading star.