Derby County are believed to be interested in making a potential move to sign Josh Bowler following his departure from Everton, according to a report from Hull Live.

Bowler is being allowed to leave Goodison Park this summer on a free transfer having failed to force his way into the first-team plans in the Premier League. The 22-year-old will therefore be available on a free transfer, just a year after being valued at around £5 million by the Toffees.

That valuation came when Hull City were reportedly interested in making a permanent move for him last summer, following his loan spell at the KCOM Stadium where he featured 28 times in the league in 2019/20.

According to the latest update from Hull Live, Derby are believed to be interested in making a move for the attacker this summer. Wayne Rooney’s side are thought to be keen to speak with Bowler ahead of a potential switch to the Rams. Although there is expected to be interest from others as well.

The verdict

This is a move that make sense for the Rams with Bowler a player that does offer potential quality in the attacking third, but who needs to secure himself a move to a club that will be able to afford him time to develop over the next few years. The 22-year-old needs a home where he is going to be a valued member of a squad after his release from Everton.

Derby’s financial situation at the moment with all the uncertainty going on behind the scenes means that moves for free agents such as Bowler might be crucial for them this summer. Rooney might have to recruit intelligently if he is on a tight budget and therefore signing the 22-year-old might be an ideal option for the Rams.

Bowler did show flashes of his ability on loan with Hull, but he also did not deliver as much end product as you would have liked to have seen from him. He has talent and he now needs to find a place where he can display that talent on a regular basis in the Championship.