Joe Ledley might just see his Derby County contract being extended. The midfielder has made a huge impact since arriving at the Pride Park and now the club wants to tie him down to a new long-term deal. Having been released by Crystal Palace following the end of the last season, he was snapped up by the Rams on a short-term contract but now the player has impressed and the club are ready to make his stay permanent at the club.
Derby are pretty much in the race for a spot in the Championship playoffs and the vastly experienced player could help them to fulfil their dream to play in the Premier League once again. Rams’ boss Gary Rowett has made his intention very clear that he wants to include the player in his plans and a possible deal is being planned for him.
“From our point of view, the decision has already been made.
“Now it is down to the club to see if we can do that (extend the contract) and it is down to Joe and his agent.
“Those intentions are there and those talks are already underway.”
Ledley’s influence is so big in this small tenure as the club hasn’t lost a match with him on their side. Ledley was not involved in the 4-2 loss against Reading and now is ready to feature once again in the starting lineup as the Championship is set to resume after the international break.
The Rams do have a very important match against Fulham as they will be able to grab a spot in the top six if they manage to get the better of the Cottagers. Ledley could be a handy customer if he is on song.
He is very confident on the ball and his tenacity and drives in the middle of the pitch could help the side in grinding out the best from them.
Having played over 230 games in the Championship, the midfielder has all the qualities to thrive in the second tier. He was also called to the Wales team who were scheduled to face France and Panama in the international break.
Ledley’s involvement with the Rams would only enhance his chances in his national side. When Ledley is on the pitch, he influences the other players surrounding him. But the matter is would Derby be able to offer him a long-term deal as the player is already in his thirties and will be turning a year older in January.
