Derby County interested in signing Nigeria-eligible Liverpool academy product

League One side Derby County are reportedly interested in signing Nigeria-eligible central defender Michael Ihiekwe this summer.

The Star says Ihiekwe is attracting interest from the Rams as a contract offer from Rotherham United remains unanswered as of now.

If the Anglo-Nigerian fails to make a decision on his future with the newly-promoted Championship club in the coming days, they would consider other targets to strengthen their defence.

A product of the Liverpool academy, Ihiekwe played a pivotal role as the Millers were promoted back to the second tier of English football, starting 42 of the 46 games in the division.

The 29-year-old has been involved in 22 career goals (12 goals, 10 assists) in the Football League which is not surprising considering that he was a striker in his formative years as a footballer before he was converted into a defender while at the Liverpool academy.

Ihiekwe, who is eager to play international football for the Super Eagles, has been described as a defender with robust physical presence, pacy, dominant in the air and descent on the ball.

He was named in the 2021-2022 Sky Bet League One Team of the Season at the EFL Awards in April.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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