Derby County are on closing in on the signing of Southend United 20-year-old Isaac Hutchinson, according to a report from Echosport. 

The Rams have been one of the busier Championship clubs in the transfer market during the summer window – signing seven players already.

It appears the East Midlands club aren't done yet and are looking lower down the EFL for their next addition.

According to Echosport, the Rams are close to signing Hutchinson from Southend.

It is understood that there are three clubs interested in the midfielder but it seems as though Derby have won the race for the 20-year-old.

A product of the Brighton academy system, the Englishman has spent two years at Southend since joining after his release by the Seagulls in 2018.

He was in and out of the Shrimpers' first team last season, making 25 appearances as they were relegated from League One.

Hutchinson had been a regular in the line up through the first few weeks of the current campaign but was omitted from the squad against Morecambe on the weekend amid interest from other clubs.

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The Verdict

This would be something of a left-field signing for Derby but we've seen the emphasis they've placed on young players in recent years, so in some ways it makes a lot of sense.

There are certainly gems to be found in the lower leagues and the Pride Park faithful will be hoping that Hutchinson is just that.

It seems a signing that is unlikely to have an impact on Phillip Cocu's first team this season but given the way some players have broken through under the Dutchman, you never know.