No formal discussions have been held between Derby County and midfielder Tom Huddlestone about a new contract despite the fact his current deal is set to expire on the 30th of June, according to The Athletic.
It was announced on Sunday that the Championship season is set to get back underway on the 20th of June and is likely to conclude with the play-off final on or around the 30th of July.
The extended season has caused issues for clubs as many player's contracts are set to expire at the end of the month and many loan deals expired at the end of May.
Huddlestone, who has made 183 appearances across two spells with the Rams, is one such player that is set to become a free agent at the end of the month.
According to The Athletic, no formal discussions have yet been held between player and club about an extension.
It is understood that Huddlestone is keen to see out his career at Pride Park but is not afraid to walk away if the offer made by the East Midlands club is not to his liking.
Additionally, the report claims that the 33-year-old is concerned about picking up an injury during the run-in that may limit his options should he become a free agent this summer.
The Rams have been excellent since the turn of the year, with only Fulham winning more Championship points, and are now just five points back from the play-offs with nine games remaining.
Huddlestone's part in that has been limited as injury has restricted him to just 12 appearances this term.
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The Verdict
This is an intriguing situation with both player and club facing a dilemma.
Huddlestone has been a fantastic servant to the Rams but his impact this season has been greatly reduced, while with Wayne Rooney now at the club and some young midfielders coming through you'd question how much he is needed moving forward.
That said, his experience will still be useful – particularly as Derby push for the play-offs at the end of the season.
Another thing to consider is that given his injury concerns, Huddlestone may not want to sign a short-term deal.
It will be interesting to see how this one progresses.