Derby County faced a setback last night when one of Paul Warne’s targets sealed a move to a Championship rival.

The anticipation among Derby supporters for the club’s first summer transfer window signing is palpable.

Reports suggest that Paul Warne is on the verge of securing his initial signings, with a potential loan deal from a Premier League side also in the works.

As Derby gears up for the coming Championship season, the pressure is on to boost their attacking arsenal, especially after witnessing Birmingham City’s relegation despite reaching 50 points. Warne is keen on reinforcing his attacking options to ensure the Rams’ survival in the league.

Having ended the previous League One season as the lowest-scoring playoff team, Derby recognizes the urgency for vast improvements in their attacking efficiency to compete in the second tier effectively.

While numerous players have been linked with a move to Pride Park, one target, unfortunately, can now be crossed off the list due to his transfer to a Championship competitor.

Josh Murphy’s future was up in the air following Oxford United’s promotion to the championship after his notable performance in the Play-Off final victory over Bolton Wanderers. Despite discussions with Oxford, a new contract didn’t materialize, leading to interest from several Championship clubs, including Derby. However, Murphy has now signed a three-year deal with Portsmouth, who secured the League One title last season.

With Murphy out of reach, Warne must swiftly shift focus to alternative targets as the transfer window progresses. As Derby aims to strengthen its attacking lineup, the emphasis lies on finding a game-changing wide player to complement the team’s tactical setup.

Given the need for attacking firepower, Warne is in pursuit of a proven winger for the right flank in their 4-3-3 formation—a player characterized by speed, skill, and the ability to turn the tide in crucial moments. Numerous options exist in the transfer market, including the likes of Karamoko Dembele, whom Derby has recently been linked with.