Several figures at Derby County believe that up-and-coming midfielder Max Bird is a club captain in waiting, according to The Athletic.

The 19-year-old has established himself as a key man in Phillip Cocu's side in recent months – starting 11 of the Rams 12 Championship games since the turn of the year.

That has been a fantastic period for the East Midlands club, in fact only Fulham have more points since the turn of the year than Derby.

The arrival of Wayne Rooney is, of course, a key factor in that but Bird's impressive performances at the base of the Rams midfield should not be ignored.

It appears he is a highly-rated player at the East Midlands club as, according to The Athletic, several club figures believe that he is a club captain in waiting.

The Bird situation is not all good news, however, as it appears he has caught the attention of Chelsea and former Rams boss Frank Lampard.

It has been reported that the Blues are keen on signing the 19-year-old this summer and will have to pay £5 million to prize him away.

A product of the Derby academy, Bird made his debut in 2017 but the 2019/20 campaign has been by far his most impactful.

The teenager has featured 16 times for Cocu's side already and looks likely to play a key role in the run-in, if and when the season resumes.

Derby's impressive form in the second half of the season has seen them climb into the play-off race, they sit 12th – five points back from the top six.

How much do you know about Phillip Cocu’s Derby career so far? Have a go now!

The Verdict

Bird has been very impressive this season and this report reveals just how highly he is rated at the East Midlands club, not just for his on the pitch ability but for his leadership skills as well.

Holding onto the midfielder looks as if it may be tough but if Derby can do that they could have a really exciting player on their hands.

This summer looks as though it could be pivotal in that regard.