There is set to be a Championship transfer tussle between three clubs this summer if reports are to be believed.

Millwall, Stoke City and Preston North End have all been credited with an interest in Derby County full-back Nathan Byrne ahead of the transfer window.

Byrne's current deal expires at Pride Park this summer and the 29-year-old is therefore available on a free transfer providing that he does not agree to fresh terms.

Here, we've compiled the latest developments regarding the full-back's future.

What is the latest?

The Football Insider report that linked Byrne to the aforementioned clubs stated that they had all registered interest in securing his services, however, a string of tweets from journalist Alan Nixon has today cast doubts over those claims.

First of all, replying to fan questions, Nixon simply stated "no" when asked if the likes of Stoke City and Preston were interested.

 

 

Perhaps most interestingly, in another tweet regarding the 29-year-old, Nixon seemed to suggest that he was not available this summer - despite his contract being due to expire next month.

 

With Derby County unable to offer out contracts at present due to their administration status and their impending takeover, this really does leave you scratching your head as to what Nixon is referring to.

The most logical conclusion could be that the Rams have agreed some sort of deal with Byrne in principal, ahead of being rubber stamped when their takeover is approved.

In that scenario, Byrne would be unavailable to the clubs reportedly interested above.