Derby County are set to sign Matt Clarke on loan from Brighton, with the centre-back set for a medical ahead of finalising the move.

The 22-year-old only joined the Seagulls earlier this summer from Portsmouth in deal that could end up costing £5m.

However, Graham Potter clearly doesn't feel he can make an impact on the first-team next season, with the club already having Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk as options at the back, whilst they are also close to signing Adam Webster in a big-money swoop.

Therefore, they appear ready to let Clarke leave on loan and Telegraph reporter John Percy has stated on Twitter that the youngster is heading to the east Midlands.

"Brighton defender Matt Clarke is on his way to #dcfc for a medical, will be a season's loan. Clarke was a £3.5m signing from Portsmouth in June."

Bringing in a centre-back had to be a priority for new Rams boss Phillip Cocu as Player of the Year from last season Fikayo Tomori has returned to Chelsea and it's an area the club are extremely short in.

The Dutchman's first game in charge will be against Huddersfield on Monday.

The Verdict

This is a fantastic bit of business from Derby as they need to bring in at least one centre-back and Clarke is a very good player.

He was superb in League One over the past few years and is certainly ready to make the step up and he is also capable on the ball which is what Cocu wants.

So, to get him on loan is a smart move from the Rams and he is surely going to be a key player for the side moving forward.

From Clarke's perspective, he will surely be relishing the chance to play regularly and a good season in the Championship will help his chances of getting into the Brighton side in the long-term.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.