Derby County are making progress on bringing new recruits to Pride Park and could now be set to up their pursuit of another centre-forward, according to a report.

Derby County closing in on new arrivals

John Eustace has wasted no time in recruiting new faces as his side tool up for another season in the EFL Championship, with Carlton Morris, Andreas Weimann, Danny Batth, Richard O’Donnell and Patrick Agyemang walking through the front entrance.

However, Derby are now set to snap up Liverpool left-back Owen Beck on loan from the Premier League champions, with only the finer details remaining before his move becomes official.

Jonathan Percy stated on his situation: “#dcfc are close to signing Liverpool left-back Owen Beck on loan for the season. Deal agreed and Wales u21 international expected to undergo medical later this week. Beck was signed by John Eustace at Blackburn last year and was v keen to play under him again #lfc.”

Intriguingly, the Eustace factor appears to have had a critical impact in being able to secure targets, and he could work his magic once again after the Rams brokered a deal to sign Callum Brittain from Blackburn Rovers for £3 million.

Deal agreed: Derby County set to sign "fantastic" player who loves Eustace

What a great addition this could be for the Rams.

ByHenry Jackson

While that isn’t finalised yet, all the signs are there for Derby to enjoy a productive season after narrowly avoiding the drop last term. The English second-tier is more competitive than ever, and a few fine margins going their way could open up endless possibilities.

Either way, quality reinforcements are required to step up their bid for a better campaign, so it will come as no surprise to hear that Eustace is now pursuing another clinical attacking option.

Derby County look to sign Timothe Nkada

According to The Sun’s Charlie Wyett, Derby are competing with Blackburn Rovers and QPR to sign Rodez forward Timothe Nkada after he turned in 17 goals and five assists in 35 appearances last season across all competitions.

Finishing as the joint-second top scorer in Ligue 2, the 26-year-old is a former product of Rennes’ youth system and is said to be available for £2.2 million this summer.

Timothe Nkada’s key Ligue 2 statistics – 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Shots

77

Shots on target

39

Chances created

30

Fouls won

14

Successful passes

225

Competition for his signature is fierce, but Eustace has proved that he has a pull that can prove hard to resist when targeting players he believes can make a difference at Pride Park.

With two years left on his deal, Rodez may have a decision to make over whether it would make sense to sell him now or face losing Nkada next year at a fraction of his reported value.

Ultimately, shopping in markets where you can get bang for your buck is the name of the game in the Championship, and it appears that Derby could be preparing to strike while the iron is hot after his excellent campaign at Stade Paul-Lignon.