Championship side Derby County are expected to make a second approach for Everton defender Matthew Pennington this summer, according to journalist Andy Warren.
Warren told the Liverpool Echo on Sunday that Frank Lampard’s side are likely to go back in for the 24-year-old once the season ends, having been denied a January move for him.
Sky Sports reported that the Rams approached Everton and Ipswich Town, where the player is currently starring on loan, last month with the prospect of securing a temporary deal for Pennington.
That ultimately fell through, but Warren appears to think that Derby will renew their interest in the summer, by which point Ipswich could be playing League One football as they battle against relegation.
OPINION
This is not much of a surprise in all honesty. Derby were obviously keen to get a deal for Pennington done in January but were not able to, so it makes sense for them to try again this summer when Ipswich won’t be an issue. The player has excelled at Portman Road this term but Paul Lambert’s side are heading down – there’s little doubt about that. That virtually eliminates their chances of getting Pennington back in next season. However, he is unlikely to make the grade at Goodison Park, leaving a move to Derby as a very attractive proposition for everyone involved. He has been tremendous this campaign and has shown that he is more than good enough to play Championship football after an up-and-down time at Leeds United last season. Hopefully he gets the chance to continue playing regularly with the Rams come next campaign. He deserves it, that’s for sure.