Derby County has entered the competition to recruit Leeds United’s Viktor Johansson, the shot-stopper for Rotherham United. Reportedly, both teams are vying for his services.
After two years of wallowing in League One, the Rams have returned to the Championship. However, preparations at Pride Park are now underway to bolster the team in anticipation of a demanding season in England’s second division.
Warne has led his sides to promotion four times from the third division in the previous six years—once with Derby and three times with the Millers. The 50-year-old English Football League veteran has undoubtedly shown his value as one of the best promotion experts in the league.
Maintaining Derby County in the Championship the next season will be difficult, but Warne has managed in the league for a long time and will know which players the team needs to add to the roster to help them survive in a difficult division.
Johansson is one man who has been associated with a reunion with the Rams’ owner. During his tenure in the South Yorkshire dugout, Warne recruited the Swedish goalkeeper, who won the Young Player of the Season title in his first season with Rotherham.
But with the Millers demoted back to League One, speculation over his future has been rampant. Derby may enter the race for the 25-year-old alongside teams like Stoke City and Sheffield United, according to Alan Nixon on his exclusive Patreon.
Leeds United is reportedly considering putting in an offer for Rotherham’s number “one” during the summer transfer window, according to Aftonbladet in Sweden.
With Rotherham, Johansson has a release clause. Some reports have stated that this cost is £1 million, while other others have stated that it is approximately £750,000. Nevertheless, Derby County should definitely exercise Warne’s buy-out option if he is eager to bring in a new goalkeeper.
Johansson will be familiar with a goalkeeper at Pride Park as the Rams also signed Josh Vickers from New York Stadium last summer. However, if the Swede were to replace Joe Wildsmith in the upcoming season, Joe would feel a little let down.
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