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Derby County close to signing Leicester City striker

By Harneet Singh Sethi

LUTON, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Matty James, Andy King, Tom Lawrence and Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City look on before the pre-season friendly match between Luton Town and Leicester City at Kenilworth Road on July 26, 2017 in Luton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LUTON, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Matty James, Andy King, Tom Lawrence and Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City look on before the pre-season friendly match between Luton Town and Leicester City at Kenilworth Road on July 26, 2017 in Luton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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Derby County are set to sign Leicester City forward Tom Lawrence, according to Sky Sports.

The Rams have for long been the favourites for the 23-year old and may sign him for a reported £7 million (yes, there still is some sense left in the Championship). However, there being a number of other options to assess, any deal may take its time.

Lawrence was loaned to Ipswich Town last season, where he had the most successful campaign of his career. The Welshman scored 11 goals and assisted as many in 39 appearances across all competitions, as he was named their player of the year.

His time at Ipswich is fairly contrasting to the disastrous period with Leicester City, making only four top division appearances for the Foxes since his move from Manchester United back in 2014.

Next: No more bids for Riyad Mahrez

Tom Lawrence has also had loan spells at Carlisle United, Yeovil, Rotherham United, Blackburn Rovers and Cardiff City so far, a fact that showcases the experience that he has in the Championship.

It is, therefore, no surprise that Brighton and Hove Albion, Burnley, Sunderland, Newcastle United, Leeds United, Birmingham City and Ipswich Town are all interested in signing him.

Talking of Tom Lawrence, Derby County manager Gary Rowett said:

"“He is a good player, but I am sure most of the players you are going to mention to me are good players.“Whether or not we are interested in those players it wouldn’t be fair for me to comment because they are all at other clubs.“But we have got some good targets.”"

Shall Leicester City go on with the deal, it could invite widespread anger from the fans, given how Tom Lawrence has been treated despite all his talent. The young forward had a decent pre-season, particularly the game against MK Dons where he showed what he is capable of.

Among the other players to depart could be Ahmed Musa, Danny Drinkwater and Riyad Mahrez, who are all on a few clubs’ radar.

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