Sources: Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday in race to sign Deji Sotona
Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday are plotting moves to sign Nice star Deji Sotona, sources have told Football Insider.
The two League One big guns are readying offers for the 19-year-old after his spell on loan at Brentford B last season.
Sotona is on their radar for a loan deal after he caught the eye of their talent spotters with his blistering pace and goal threat.
The Irishman moved to Nice in the summer of 2020 on a three-year contract under Patrick Vieira but is yet to make his senior bow.
He had been offered a professional contract at Man United but rejected it to try and get first-team football in France.
However, with opportunities limited at Nice, he returned to England with Brentford B in January.
His form for the Bees led to a call-up to the Republic of Ireland Under-20s squad in March.
The Waterford-born ace could now become Derby’s latest recruit as they rebuild their squad ahead of the 2022-23 season.
The Rams have bolstered their attacking ranks with the signings of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Tom Barkhuizen, David McGoldrick and James Collins this summer.
They have also added Joe Wildsmith, Scott Loach, James Chester, Haydon Roberts and Kwaku Oduroh.
Sheffield Wednesday, who finished fourth in League One in 2021-22 before being beaten in the play-off semi-finals, have been less busy in the transfer market.
They have signed seven players, including striker Michael Smith who will add firepower to Darren Moore’s side.
In other news, Rangers and Derby County are racing to sign an EFL 22-year-old.