Derby County set sights on Everton transfer amid push for deadline day signings
Derby County are said to be keen on Everton's teenager playmaking midfielder Harrison Armstrong. According to Sky Sports reporter Alan Myers, the Rams are in talks with the midfielder over a potential loan deal until the end of the season.
With Everton set to wrap up a move for Carlos Alcaraz today, that is set to allow Armstrong to leave Goodison Park. The 18-year-old has had a number of admirers in the second tier with the teenager highly-regarded by Everton's hierarchy.
Armstrong showcased his ability during the win over Peterborough in the FA Cup when he caught the eye with a brilliant assist for Beto in the 2-0 win over Darren Ferguson's side. Armstrong has also featured in the Premier League this season, but largely as a substitute with his last appearance coming in a 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth at the beginning of January.
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The midfielder is largely regarded as being too good for the academy but not quite ready for regular Premier League starts with Everton keen to get him some game time.
Speaking about Armstrong, former boss Sean Dyche said: "It’s a funny thing with football. It’s like he just arrived on the scene, we’ve played him in the first team this season, he was with us from pre-season, I played him at Salford.
“It’s a funny thing, he scores a few goals and people go ‘wow, what about this kid?’ He’s been with us for months actually, and been doing what he’s doing, learning.
“I appreciate the fact that when I first saw him, I thought ‘hmm, I like him, so he can come with us. No more than that, he’s just another player who is developing, learning and working hard.”
Derby have been eager to add more creative options to the centre of midfield as they look to climb free of the relegation zone with the Rams still two points adrift of safety.
They were earlier linked with a move for Nottingham Forest's Lewis O'Brien but he looks set to join Swansea City in a deal until the end of the campaign.
