(Credit: Imago/Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Fri 6 June 2025 11:53, UK

Derby County are in advanced talks to sign Blackpool midfielder Sonny Carey on a free transfer, sources have told Football Insider.

The 24-year-old is out of contract at Bloomfield Road at the end of June, and a number of clubs have been monitoring his situation.

Derby are in pole position to capture Carey as they look to secure an early-window deal.

Carey impressed in League One with The Tangerines last season, scoring 11 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions.

Derby manager John Eustace keen to strengthen Derby squad

The Norwich-born number 10 arrived on a three-year contract from non-league side Kings Lynn Town in the summer of 2021.

Having scored six goals in 46 appearances during the 2020/21 season, including a vital winner in Kings Lynn’s 1-0 win over Port Vale in the FA Cup, Blackpool beat a host of EFL clubs to secure his signature.

Carey made his competitive debut for Blackpool in a Carabao Cup tie against Middlesbrough in August 2021, and bagged his first goal for the club four months later.

Derby manager John Eustace is understood to be a fan of Carey, who has made almost 50 second-tier appearances across his career. Eustace is keen to bolster his attacking options after surviving relegation from the Championship by a single point last season.

Eustace eyes Birmingham defender Dion Sanderson

Meanwhile, Derby also have an interest in signing Birmingham City defender Dion Sanderson, according to Derbyshire Live.

The 25-year-old has already been signed by Eustace on two separate occasions times during his career, and spent the second half of last season on-loan at Blackburn Rovers.

He made 12 appearances for the Ewood Park club as they narrowly missed out on a place in the Championship play-offs.

For more Derby County and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.