Derby County are planning to raid Leicester City for the services of midfielder Tom Lawrence. The Championship club have the cash to spend after the sale of Tom Ince and Will Hughes and Gary Rowett wants to use the money very wisely.
The Wales international is being eyed as a possible replacement for Ince who switched to Premier League newbies Huddersfield Town. Lawrence has been one of the most exciting talents at the King Power Stadium currently but he hasn’t been utilised by any of the last few managers.
The Manchester United academy product was brought to the club in 2014 but has made only four appearances since now. Lack of opportunities has made him frustrated and therefore he will be looking for a move to find regular game time.
Lawrence, who is right now in Austria as Leicester are preparing for the upcoming season, is unlikely to feature for the Foxes next season and the club might be willing to offload him in a bid to reshape their squad. A bid of £7m should be enough for the Rams to take the player to the Pride Park Stadium.
Lawrence was at Ipswich Town on loan last season where he had a sensational campaign racking up nine goals and 11 assists in the Championship last season. His future has been put on hold but it seems Derby are putting their best efforts to rope in the attacker in the next season.
Given the player’s ability, Craig Shakespeare might give it a try by using him rigorously in the pre-season before coming to a decision. Leicester don’t have a dearth of attackers but at least he could be a viable cover for the upcoming season.
Apparently, Derby want to push for the playoffs next season and Lawrence’s experience in the Championship could emerge as a vital factor in their journey. He was adjudged Ipswich’s player of the season in the last campaign and Rowett wants to fancy a chance by taking him under his fold.
Lawrence can be used anywhere in the attacking third but he loves to play just behind the main striker. Lawrence had been at a number clubs including Cardiff City, Yeovil Town and Blackburn Rovers on loan and can provide the necessary depth to the Rams who already have Darren Bent and Chris Martin. A formal offer is yet to be lodged but the 24-year old’s chances of leaving the King Power Stadium is getting brighter. So the Rams have to act very fast.
