Despite narrowly missing out on a Championship play-off place, Derby County can still reflect positively on a strong campaign that saw them finish eighth in the table. With ambitions of going one step further next season, manager John Eustace is expected to oversee another summer of change at Pride Park, with reinforcements and replacements already being considered.
The Rams are set to lose several loan players, leaving key areas of the squad in need of strengthening — particularly in midfield. According to journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon, one player attracting interest from Derby is Brian De Keersmaecker. The Belgian midfielder is expected to leave Oxford United following their relegation to League One.
Nixon adds that Derby are preparing to begin discussions over a possible move for the 26-year-old, who is viewed as a potential bargain signing. De Keersmaecker only arrived at Oxford last summer after joining from Dutch side Heracles Almelo.
