Derby County have rejected an enquiry from Brighton for keeper Scott Carson.

The former England keeper has been a target for Brighton and Hove Albion, with Chris Hughton's side reportedly making a bid of £2.5m to land his services.

The Derby Telegraph reports that the bid has been immediately rejected, with the Rams unwilling to part with the popular keeper.

Carson is a former England team mate of new manager Frank Lampard, having earned four caps between 2007 and 2011. He has played 138 times for Derby since his switch from Wigan and was voted the club's Player of the Year in 2017 after a superb season.

He also ranks West Brom, Liverpool and Turkish side Bursaspor as his former clubs, having begun his career at Elland Road in 2003.

Brighton have already signed one keeper this summer, Jason Steele swapping League One Sunderland for the bright lights of the Premier League. They also have Matt Ryan, the current number one, who was ever present in their Premier League campaign last season.

The Verdict

The wording of the report suggests it was a very firm rejection from Derby and I'm not surprised. Good keepers have been at a premium in the Championship recently, with several big clubs looking to recruit a new number one.

Scott Carson is an excellent keeper and there's no pressing need for Derby to cash in on one of their key assets.