Derby County goalkeeper Ryan Allsop has revealed that he had interest from other clubs in his services before he agreed to sign for the Rams this summer, claiming Wayne Rooney was a key factor in his decision.
The Rams have finally been able to make progress in the transfer market and Allsop has been added to their squad alongside Richard Stearman and Ravel Morrison, while Curtis Davies has also put pen to paper on a new contract to remain at Pride Park for this season.
Allsop has been brought in to provide competition for places with Kelle Roos and David Marshall and he showed with his performances for Wycombe last season in the Championship that he can be a reliable performer in the English second tier when he is called upon.
The 29-year-old left Wycombe in the summer following their relegation back down to League One. It is likely that there would have been a few clubs who would have been keen to add his experience to their squad.
Speaking to Derby’s official club website, Allsop revealed there was indeed interest from elsewhere this summer but also that it was a no-brainer for him to make the switch to the Rams.
He said: “I’m really excited. As soon as I got the phone call about Derby registering interest, it was a no-brainer instantly for me.
“I live in Birmingham, so it is a local one and it is a massive club too. The set-up is unbelievable, and I am delighted to get it over the line.
“I had a little bit of interest elsewhere, but as soon as I knew Derby were interested, I was fully focused on trying to get that sorted.
“I just want to kick on now and all of us in the goalkeeping team are looking to help each other and improve each other. I am still learning my trade and hopefully we can all push each other on.”
On Rooney’s influence in him deciding to join Derby he added: “To play under the manager is a massive pull for any player. He is one of the best strikers there’s been. That is a big pull, to learn off one of the best players England has ever produced.”
The verdict
These comments suggest that despite their obvious issues in behind the scenes this summer, Derby are still a club that can attract players into the club that might be of interest to other teams as well.
Allsop will be potentially a very important player to add to the squad and he will be able to push Roos and Marshall for a place in the starting line-up. It will be interesting to see how much game time the 29-year-old gets but Rooney certainly appears to believe that he can be relied upon to come into the side when and if required.
Rooney is still a very big name in football and perhaps that sometimes gets forgotten about since he took over as a manager at Derby. It shows that he can attract player to the squad which is vital at this moment in time with them having a lot off issues behind the scenes that might put new signings off joining.