Derby County are resigned to losing top scorer Matej Vydra after they failed to win promotion to the Premier League according to The Telegraph.

The forward has been a key man for the Rams this season and was the highest scorer in the entire division with 21 goals in 42 games.

And, the report states that the East Midlands side will look to sell as they try and slash their budget ahead of an 11th consecutive season in the second-tier.

Derby's wage bill is believed to be around £35m and owner Mel Morris wants to significantly cut that this summer, with boss Gary Rowett admitting after defeat to Fulham that he knew this was coming.

"The reality is, after lots of years and lots of managers doing that, I am the manager who has to balance it all out a little bit more."

Vydra is without doubt the most sellable asset at Pride Park and the report adds that the Rams will demand at least the £8m they paid for the Czech Republic international when he joined from Watford two years ago.

The Verdict

This is bad news for Derby fans but it's something they will have accepted given the talk coming out of the club in the past few months.

It's understandable that the owner wants to cut costs ahead of another season in the Championship and that means players will go.

Vydra is the obvious one that will attract interest and it's up to the Rams to get the best fee and for Rowett to wheel and deal to ensure the side can compete next season which could be a big ask.

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