According to reliable journalist, Alan Nixon, Derby County have had a £7m bid rejected by Leicester City for Tom Lawrence.

Lawrence has been on Derby’s radar for a large part of this summer, but the Sky Bet Championship outfit have waited to make their move for the Leicester man.

However, reports now suggest that Leicester have rejected a £7m bid from Derby for Lawrence, despite the youngster not making an appearance for his parent-club since 2015.

The 23-year-old has had spells with Blackburn Rovers, Cardiff City and Ipswich Town over the last two seasons, impressing in the Championship, but failing to gain an opportunity at the King Power Stadium.

Last season, Lawrence was impressive for Ipswich, scoring 11 goals for Mick McCarthy’s side across all competitions and standing out in a disappointing campaign at Portman Road.

It is the impressive form that Lawrence showed in the Championship last season that has alerted Gary Rowett to the player and prompted Derby’s bid.

Rowett is desperately looking to bolster his Derby squad ahead of the 2017/18 campaign, which begins on Friday when they face Championship newbies, Sunderland.

Derby have cashed in on Tom Ince and Will Hughes already this summer, and Rowett’s squad is short of creativity heading into the new season, a problem that he wants Lawrence to solve.

The Verdict

It only appeared a matter of time before Derby took their interest in Lawrence to the next level, by making a formal bid.

However, it is surprising to see Leicester reject a generous offer for the player, particularly with Lawrence struggling to force his way into plans at the KCOM Stadium.

It would be no surprise to see Derby return with an improved offer, with Rowett’s squad still looking thin heading into the new season, after the departure of Ince and Hughes.

Derby fans… Let us know your thoughts!