Derby County could land top target Filip Benkovic on loan from Leicester City once Wes Morgan returns to full fitness.

The Croatian international has been fourth choice centre-back for the Foxes this season but an injury to the Premier League winner pushed him up to the bench for the previous two games.

Therefore, Brendan Rodgers has understandably been unwilling to sanction a deal for the 22-year-old.

However, that may change in the coming weeks. Firstly, if Leicester secure a replacement - as they plan to, they will be ready to let Benkovic leave.

And, the Sky Sports Transfer Centre (13:57) suggested that if Morgan returns to full fitness this week, it 'may persuade' the Northern Irish boss to let Benkovic leave regardless.

A move would also surely be welcome by the player, as his only minutes this season have come in the FA Cup win over Wigan earlier this month.

Benkovic enjoyed a hugely successful loan spell with Celtic last season and would help Phillip Cocu's side significantly as they are short on options in the heart of their defence.

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The verdict

This is encouraging for Derby as they are desperate for a new defender to come through the door and it's clear that Benkovic is the man that Cocu wants.

That's totally understandable as well, because the former Dinamo Zagreb man is a class act and would be a real coup for the Rams.

So, if they have to be patient it will be worthwhile but they obviously need to have backups in mind as Rodgers will not want to leave himself short.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.