Derby County plotting a move for young ex-Celtic midfielder

Derby County are reportedly plotting a bid for 21 year-old attacking midfielder Karamoko Dembele.

He spent last season on loan at League One Blackpool from French side Brest and has been tipped as a future star.

Dembele scored nine goals and assisted 14 times for Blackpool last season earning him their player of the season accolade.

According to Football Insider, Paul Warne has shown interest in the youngster on either a loan or ideally a permanent deal before they begin their Championship campaign in August.

He broke through the ranks as a teenager at Celtic where he ended up playing 10 games and scoring one goal before he was snapped up by Brest in summer 2022.

Dembele would provide a perfect replacement for Max Bird where the Rams would be getting an even more attack minded midfielder.

He can also play on the wing which could be useful if Paul Warne wanted to switch formations during a game.

Dembele’s blend of pace and creativity make him somewhat the central midfield version of Derby star Nathaniel Mendez-Laing who could link up with the 21 year-old nicely.

If Derby do want to land him on a permanent deal, they could be looking at a figure of £600k plus which is Dembele’s current estimated transfer value.

Even if they add him on a loan, the youngster would be a valuable addition as the Rams lost Max Bird, Conor Hourihane, Korey Smith and Ebou Adams in midfield since the end of the season.

A great target for Paul Warne and Derby County.