Derby County are currently in turmoil after last week's statement regarding their league status.

With the club deep in pre-season preparations, this bombshell from the EFL regarding an 'interchangeable' fixture list will only go on to deepen the Rams' woes as the club looks to lift themselves from their lowly position last season.

But with ownership uncertainty, this serious threat of being relegated to the third tier and their manager's potential departure because of this, there's little reason to be cheerful at Pride Park right now.

 

 

However, things can't get much worse and Derby fans may receive some better news later in the window if Wayne Rooney is given the chance to recruit a few players ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

Let's take a look at some of the latest transfer developments involving Derby, with a lot of business to be done in the next few months.

Marriott edging closer to Peterborough move

According to the Peterborough Telegraph, the Posh are closing in on a move to sign their former forward Jack Marriott.

The 26-year-old joined Sheffield Wednesday on a season-long loan in the last campaign - but failed to make a real impact at Hillsborough and it looks as though his time at Pride Park is also up.

He was a major part of Derby's biggest highlight of the past few years when he scored a brace away at Leeds United in the play-off semi-final second leg back in 2019. This looks set to be his best moment in the East Midlands, with Marriott edging closer to an exit.

Unfortunately for Wayne Rooney's men, the forward will be leaving for free after signing for the Rams back in 2018 on a three-year contract.

Portsmouth land Rams target Tunnicliffe

After leaving Luton Town on the expiry of his contract, Ryan Tunnicliffe was wanted by Derby, Huddersfield Town, Hull City and Barnsley according to the Daily Mail.

As per the same outlet, Tunnicliffe was also subject of interest from teams in Turkey and the United States - but has opted for a move down a tier to Portsmouth and has put pen to paper on a two-year deal.

And after a disappointing end to last year, Danny Cowley's men will be searching for promotion and will be hoping the 28-year-old can guide them there with his vast experience in the tier above.

With Tunnicliffe available on a free, this is a major blow to Wayne Rooney if he was actively chasing the midfielder's signature.

Curtis Davies ready to depart

36-year-old Davies is currently in negotiations with officials at Pride Park over a potential new deal - but is set to become a free agent in the next few days with his contract expiring at the end of the month.

The central defender made just 13 appearances last season, spending the second half of last season out with an Achilles injury, and this may have proven costly for Davies as he aims to negotiate a new deal.

Speaking to Sky Sports on his current contract situation, he said: "I think you always need to be open to looking elsewhere if that is what needs to happen, but I have always stated I would love to stay at Derby County.

"Whether that is in the Championship or League One it would be just down to what we can agree on. Like I say, I would like to stay at the football club, but you always need to stay open."

With a very limited number of players still at the club, manager Rooney could be keen to secure his services for at least another year.