Derby County have made an approach to sign Besiktas defender Nicolas Isimat-Mirin, according to reports from Fotospor.

Isimat-Mirin is no stranger to Derby boss Phillip Cocu, with the defender playing under the Dutchman during a four-year spell at PSV Eindhoven.

Cocu initially signed the Frenchman on loan from AS Monaco in 2014, and after impressing for PSV, the Dutch side completed the permanent signing of the defender on a four-year deal before Cocu left in 2018.

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Isimat-Mirin won three league titles under the tutelage of Cocu, and there could now be a potential reunion on the cards, with Derby reportedly making an approach for the powerful centre-half.

According to Fotospor, Derby have approached Besiktas ahead of a potential swoop for Isimat-Mirin, who spent last season back in France on loan with Toulouse.

The 28-year-old has made only 14 appearances for Besiktas, but with another two years left on his contract in Turkey, the Rams would more than likely have to pay a fee.

Cocu will be looking to bolster his defensive options this summer, with Brighton and Hove Albion loanee Matt Clarke set to return to the AMEX Stadium after an impressive loan spell at Pride Park.

The Verdict

Isimat-Mirin could be a great signing for Derby.

He's thrived under the guidance of Phillip Cocu before and will know how the Dutchman likes his teams to play, and he could become a leader in defence.

The Rams have already started to address their defensive issues with the signing of Mike te Wierik, and Isimat-Mirin would be another shrewd addition for the club, I feel.