Derby County are entering to the race to sign Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan, according to the Daily Mail. 

The 33-year-old has appeared all set to move to Aston Villa, with manager Steve Bruce tracking the Irishman since the end of the season with the hope of the securing a deal for Whelan before pre-season kicks in.

However, it now appears that Gary Rowett and Derby have joined the chase to sign Whelan, giving the former Sheffield Wednesday man a decision to make about the next step in his career.

Whelan has been with Stoke since 2008 when he made the move from the Owls as a 24-year-old relative unknown, but has since gone on to become a regular both in the Premier League and on the international scene.

He has 81 caps for his country and just shy of 450 career appearances as a player, including nearly 300 in the Premier League.

Derby are looking for new additions this summer as they look to mount a challenge for the playoffs following last season's disappointing campaign which saw them sack two managers and fall short of the race for the top six.

Derby fans, what do you think to this? Good signing? Let us know in the comments!