Derby County and Bobby Clark latest as transfer race intensifies

The race for Bobby Clark is heating up with at least half-a-dozen clubs keen on the former Derby County loan player, DerbyshireLive understands.

Having been loaned from Red Bull Salzburg the 21-year-old spent last term at Pride Park and did well enough to earn a nomination for the Championship’s Young Player of the Season award.

While Leicester City’s Jordan James eventually picked that up, Clark’s performances in a variety of positions impressed and convinced the Rams to try to bring him back permanently.

Speaking in April John Eustace said he hoped that would happen and added: “We want to progress, we want to build, we want to grow the football club and we want to keep as many of our top players as we can and Bobby's certainly one of them.

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"I think everyone connected with Derby can see how well he's done, and he's really part of the family, and we'd love to continue with his development. He's a top young player, and he's an absolute pleasure to work with. I know there's a lot more to come from him as well.”

On the back of no pre-season preparation Clark improved quickly and ended up making 33 starts.

However, that has not gone unnoticed with the Rams’ rivals and after one report suggesting West Ham could be interested, DerbyshireLive has learned they aren’t the only ones.

Clark is under contract with the Austrian outfit for another three seasons but after playing Champions League football in his first campaign, was sent to the Championship in August.

Speaking after being named the club’s Young Player of the Season, Clark said: “Obviously, I've had the conversations with them (Derby). I've loved every minute of it here, working under the gaffer and playing under these fans with these players.

"I've loved it, and I'd love to play for Derby again, but there are a lot of things happening in the process to do that.”

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