Former Derby County coach Eric Steele discussed all of the latest Rams transfer news on the most recent edition of the BBC’s Sportscene Podcast.
During the show, he spent some time talking about the possibility of Jesse Lingard linking back up with ex-teammate Wayne Rooney, who now manages the Rams, at Pride Park this month, where he previously spent some time on loan back in 2015.
This comes after it’s been reported that Manchester United are open to letting the 28-year-old leave Old Trafford on loan this month.
On this topic, Steele stated that while Lingard would be a “massive” signing for Derby, who are involved in a relegation battle in England’s second tier, he believes Lingard is an unrealistic target at this time, saying: “I think we might get bypassed when you see the names, the clubs that are being linked with him.
“That really would be massive because he could play as the ‘10’ – he can play wide, but he’s not as effective, he’s a ‘10’.
“What he does, is he sees that pass that we want to see between centre-halves and he’s got an appetite, plays with a smile on his face, a character in the dressing room, so Wayne will know all that, but I think he’s going to be a level above where we are at the moment.”
Could Derby sign Lingard on loan?
YES
NO
TIF Thoughts on what Steele said about Derby County and Lingard…
When Rooney joined the Rams as a player last year, it was reported that he became the highest-paid player at the East Midlands club, earning around £50k-per-week.
Lingard currently earns £75k-per-week, according to Spotrac, and given that Derby have recently had issues with paying players, perhaps his wages would have to be heavily subsidised by Manchester United if he were to join Derby, however, given that Rams manager Rooney is a legend at Old Trafford, maybe that’s not entirely out of the question.
However, we feel that this transfer may be unlikely, given that it’s been claimed Premier League West Ham United are interested in signing Lingard, and it may be reasonable to assume that the Red Devils would prefer to have their player out on loan at a higher level, if possible. As a result, we agree with Steele’s suggestion that this is an unlikely move.