Gary Rowett has just been named as Stoke City's new manager and he is already plotting a raid on his former club Derby County.

According to The Mirror's Live Transfer Blog [Wednesday 23rd May, 13:39], Rowett wants to bring Derby star Curtis Davies to Stoke with him.

Davies was one of Derby's best players this season, helping the Rams achieve a top six finish, although they fell to a 2-1 aggregate loss against Fulham to consign them to an 11th consecutive season in the Championship.

With Kurt Zouma's loan expiring, the Potters are in the market for a new centre-half and Davies is their number one target now that Rowett has come in.

The former England under-21 international has over 500 senior appearances to his name and has won promotion from the Championship while at Hull City.

As well as the 33-year-old, Rowett also wants Scott Carson to replace Jack Butland in goal if he leaves as expected.

Stoke face competition from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion for the experienced centre-half but Rowett is hoping his links to the player will help this move.

The 44-year-old had planned to make Davies his captain if he had stayed at Derby.

The Verdict

Davies would be an asset for Stoke but Derby need to cling onto him.

He embodies passion, leadership, experience and ability - both aerially and with the ball on the ground - as well as being humble, likeable and not afraid to front up if the team under-performs.

Having played his whole career at the top level, Davies would be the perfect partner for Ryan Shawcross at the back.

Derby fans - Can you keep Davies? Let us know below...