Warne could kill two birds with one stone at Derby County by sealing ‘tremendous’ free transfer

After losing six first-team players, the Rams are probably going to give priority to three areas of their roster this summer: a new goalie, central midfielder, and striker.

Josh Vickers was Warne’s sole remaining choice after he unexpectedly decided to part ways with Golden Glove Award winner Joe Wildsmith and veteran shot-stopper Scott Loach.

Conor Hourihane, Max Bird, Korey Smith, and Ebou Adams were among the midfield departures, leaving Tyrese Fornah, Liam Thompson, and Darren Robinson in the middle.

Conor Washington and James Collins, two seasoned strikers, lack the firepower to score enough goals in the Championship, so changes there will also be necessary.

Pressure has mounted on Warne to implement a winning plan during the transfer window, with drastic changes anticipated everywhere. Fortunately, there is one player who can accomplish two goals at once.

Why Derby County should snap up Paddy McNair

Paddy McNair left Middlesborough after six years and 219 games for the Teesiders, the team confirmed.

During his tenure at the Riverside, the 29-year-old was a standout player at several positions. He mostly played center back but also showed his versatility as a midfielder.

Former Rams manager Wayne Rooney called McNair a “tremendous” talent when he was still at Manchester United. McNair is a confident center back who can play in the base of midfield.

He demonstrated his skill as a progressive ball player in the Championship game last season, finishing in the top 14% for progressive passes and the top 6% for progressive carries per 90.

In his defense, Warne wants McNair to be able to control the action from the middle and build from the back. Furthermore, the Northern Ireland international might play as cover for Curtis Nelson and Eiran Cashin at the base of midfield.

A great deal would be Paddy McNair.

It’s difficult to argue against Warne signing the Northern Ireland international on a free transfer.

He plays a variety of positions and is an experienced Championship player.

It would be really helpful for Derby to bring in a player who can play both center back and midfield as they need to be strategic with their transfer dealings.

Additionally, Warne may save a ton of money by signing McNair, who is nearing the prime of his career and showed to be a priceless asset during his six years at Boro.

If he weren’t out of contract, he’s the kind of player that could cost a team seven figures, so Derby has even more incentive to sign him.

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