Former Derby County boss Gary Rowett, who left for Championship rivals Stoke City, has refused to rule out signing any Rams players this summer.

Rowett is expected to oversee major changes at the Staffordshire side this summer and that will mean a lot of new faces come through the door.

Naturally, that has seen him linked with several Derby players who helped Rowett's Rams side reach the play-offs last season.

The likes of Curtis Davies, Scott Carson and top scorer Matej Vydra have all been linked with a potential reunion with their former boss at the bet365 Stadium and the Derby Telegraph report that Rowett didn't dismiss the idea.

"I can't promise anybody anything. I can't promise every manager in the Football League that I won't look for one of their players."

"The reality is there are very good players at Derby that the new manager might not see as part of his plans."

However, he did also suggested it was easy for journalists to suggest links to members of the Derby squad.

"I think it's sometimes lazy to target you with 'he's going back for these five players'."

The Verdict

Rowett handled this well and it's clear he will sign a player from Derby if he thinks they will benefit his Stoke team, which he is fine to do.

Derby fans won't be too open in selling players, especially the three key men linked, to Rowett but ultimately money will talk and Stoke have a lot to spend.

Time will tell as to what happens but it's inevitable Rowett will consider former players who have done well for him before.

Thoughts, Derby fans? Let us know in the comments below.