Derby County 'confident' over midfielder deal as offer made

The club confirmed that Allen was one of three academy players in discussion over a new deal when the retained list was revealed last month

Allen made three appearances for John Eustace's side last season from the substitutes' bench and featured in games against Watford, Coventry and Stoke.

Derby have high hopes for the Wales youth international who is currently away on duty with his country as part of a training camp.

And academy manager Jamie Smith believes they are getting to where they need to be in terms of his future.

"Cruz has been on international duty, and these negotiations and contract discussions are not just straightforward," Smith told DerbyshireLive.

"There is a lot of communication, a lot of parties, agents, family, Cruz, myself, Matt Hale and Stephen Pearce.

"I'm comfortable where we're at. Cruz is a Derby County player and I'm confident we'll be where we need to be come the start of pre-season."

On goalkeeper Jack Thompson and centre-back Braidy Connell-Webster, Smith added: "Jack's been offered the contract and we're in discussions still.

"We've got to make sure that everything's right for the players. I don't get uptight and it may look from the outside in that things are not rosy. We're still communicating and things are fine in that aspect.

"On Braidy, he had a really difficult injury, so we extended his contract.

"He had a great start to his second year scholarship, so it's just going to take time to come back fit. You have just got to make sure these boys are supported.

"We wanted to make sure he knew his future was secured so that he can go back in his own time.

"But we are comfortable with all three and where they are at the moment. I've no major concerns on them."

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