Louie Sibley and James Collins: How likely are they to re-sign with Derby County?

Derby County’s retained list was revealed over two weeks ago and two names that weren’t yet re-signed are James Collins and Louie Sibley.

Both are out of contract at the end of June and so time is running out for the Rams to get deals done.

Both played a big role in Derby’s promotion this past season with Collins being Derby’s top scorer and Sibley stepping into left wing back and performing well.

The Rams are keen to keep hold of both but just how likely is it?

James Collins

Collins does seem very likely to re-sign as he is now 33 years old and unlikely to get a move to a bigger club than Derby this summer.

The striker would most likely sign a one year deal at Pride Park to give Paul Warne more striker depth as currently the Rams just have Conor Washington under contract.

If he is to sign, Collins probably won’t be Derby’s first choice striker as they will sign at least one in the summer transfer window to help with scoring in the Championship.

Louie Sibley

The chances of Sibley re-joining are more unclear. Financially it would be a good decision for Derby to agree a contract with him as his value is too high to let him leave for free.

If he did want to leave, it would be better for Derby to extend the midfielder’s deal and then sell him on for a fee.

The 22 year-old could still provide a long-term midfield option for Paul Warne if the Rams decide to sign him onto a multi-year deal which seems more likely than a simple one year extension.

There has been interest in Sibley with League One side Rotherham United keen on landing his signature.

If Derby don’t re-sign the 22 year-old, it won’t take long for him to find a new home with South Yorkshire being the most probable destination.