Derby County confirm huge transfer after fee breakthrough
Derby County have sold Eiran Cashin to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion after there was a breakthrough in negotiations for the centre-back.
After days of talks, Derby have agreed a "significant undisclosed fee" for the defender who has signed a long-term contract with Fabian Hürzeler's side.
Cashin's departure brings an emotional end to his Derby journey, having graduated from the club's academy and becoming one of the first names on the team sheet.
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Derby had made it clear they did not want to sell the 23-year-old, but the club considered the player's wishes and, allied with the fee on offer, the deal was the best conclusion for all parties.
The defender's stock has risen considerably with his performances after bursting onto the scene under Wayne Rooney before inspiring the club to its first promotion in 17 years as the club finished runners-up in League One last season.
Cashin has arguably been Derby's most consistent performer this season although he did suffer a hamstring injury in the 4-0 win over Portsmouth before Christmas but made his return for the 2-0 defeat against Watford earlier this month.
He then featured in the 2-1 defeat at Cardiff last weekend when he stayed behind to clap the fans long after the players had returned to the dressing room that many saw as a sign he would be leaving the club.
Derby will now attempt to bolster their defence before Monday's transfer deadline having signed Matt Clarke on a permanent deal from Middlesbrough. The club is eager to sign a right-sided defender with the club having seen its centre-back options decimated in recent weeks with Curtis Nelson having suffered a serious knee injury, followed by Cashin's departure.
On-loan Liverpool defender Nat Phillips is also injured with a calf problem and is not expected to be fit to face promotion-chasing Sheffield United at Pride Park tomorrow.
