Derby County academy graduate Max Bird is on the verge of leaving the club for Bristol City and Paul Warne must lineup a midfield replacement.
Bristol City confirmed the permanent signing of Max Bird from Derby in the January transfer window, with the 23-year-old returning to Pride Park for the remainder of the campaign.
Despite being adamant about not letting the talented midfielder depart midway through the season, Paul Warne had to settle for the above agreement with the Robins.
Bird caught the eye of the Championship side with his impressive performances, scoring five and assisting seven from midfield in 32 League One matches.
Sadly, Bird’s involvement has been restricted of late by a calf injury, appearing for the first time in eight matches during the 1-0 win over Cambridge United – a 21-minute cameo from the bench.
The attacking midfielder will play his final game for Derby next weekend as he looks to cap off his 14 years of service with a promotion.
Derby County must look at ‘incredible’ talent to replace Max Bird
Promotion to the Championship against Carlisle will only strengthen Derby’s appeal, with Warne needing to replace the outgoing Bird.
The Rams should be looking close to home for their replacement by attempting to prise Cameron Brannagan away from Oxford United.
The Liverpool academy graduate, famously lauded “outstanding” by Jurgen Klopp, has been one of the division’s best midfielders for a few seasons.
Including an impressive 11 goals and nine assists this term, the 27-year-old has scored at least nine goals in his last three campaigns, completely blowing Bird’s returns out of the water.
Brannagan has also averaged the highest rating of any League One player (7.53), as per Sofascore, while ranking second for key passes per game (2.0).
With his contract expiring this summer, doing a deal for Brannagan – who looks primed to excel in the Championship – seems like a no-brainer.
Cameron Brannagan and Ebou Adams would be a mouth-watering partnership
Ebou Adams has been a revelation since arriving on loan from Cardiff City.
Some would say he’s been the difference between finishing in the playoffs and achieving automatic promotion.
The 28-year-old has impressed as a tackling machine in midfield, breaking up play with ease and covering every blade of grass.
Derby should make signing Adams their priority this summer and although Warne is keen on striking a deal, he accepts his exceptional form will attract further interest.
If they did make a move for the “incredible” Brannagan and land Adams from Cardiff, the duo could form a mouth-watering partnership in The Rams engine room.
Combining an ability to score goals and create chances with a tackling machine could be the recipe for success.
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