Town striker Martyn Waghorn is still expected to be at the Blues’ Open Day on Thursday despite Derby County being in talks regarding a move for the 28-year-old frontman, who was an unused sub in last night’s 1-0 friendly win at the MK Dons.

Last night, the Rams were reported to be in advanced discussions regarding an £8 million approach for Waghorn. TWTD first revealed the Rams' interest in Waghorn a fortnight ago.

Contrary to reports last night we understand Waghorn hasn't asked the Blues for a transfer in the wake of the East Midlanders' interest.

We understand the deal is still some way from being done with negotiations ongoing and Waghorn currently set to join the rest of the squad at the Open Day and for the annual photo call earlier tomorrow morning.

According to the Derby Telegraph, the £8 million fee is likely to involve a number of clauses - later reports elsewhere cite the initial figure as £5 million - while the Rams would have to move other players on in order to do the deal, Matej Vydra having been linked with an £11 million switch to Leeds.

Town owner Marcus Evans, who like manager Paul Hurst would like Waghorn to stay at Portman Road, is understood to want a fee which would include a significant initial payment in order to allow Hurst to rebuild his squad rather than a deal weighted towards clauses and further cash later along down the line.

Sheffield United have ruled themselves out of the running for the striker, who scored 16 goals and recorded 11 assists last season having joined the Blues from Rangers for a bargain £250,000, while Middlesbrough are also keen. Birmingham City have also been keeping tabs and Nottingham Forest have also been linked.

Waghorn is effectively contracted to the Blues for two years with his deal up next summer as it stands but with the club having an option for another season.

In a separate move not thought to impact upon their approach for Waghorn, Derby are close to signing ex-Town striker Jack Marriott from Peterborough.

Photo: Pagepix

BobbyBell added 11:55 - Jul 25 There's a lot of IFS, BUTS and MAYBES here but at least we seem to be standing our ground for once.
13

BtreeBlueBlood added 12:03 - Jul 25 Bit embracing if he has asked for a transfer and is still here
-4

MooseJuice added 12:04 - Jul 25 Sounding more and more like the Murphy episode again. Hopefully ME has learned and will get someone in with the money before the Waghorn deal is announced. Having a bucket load of cash and a desperate situation on deadline day just leads to us getting ripped off or a player short.
8

itfcjoe added 12:07 - Jul 25 If Waggy is going to go, hopefully it's done quickly so Hurst can get the replacements in
7

WebbyWebster added 12:19 - Jul 25 I very much like the fact ME is adamant on getting the highest initial fee as possible in order to bring a number of players in. Hopefully this suggests the full (or as close as possible) money will be used on transfers
2

PhilTWTD added 12:19 - Jul 25 Re transfer request report, I gather that's not the case, story amended.
5

PositivelyPortman added 12:24 - Jul 25 Just say a figure ie £8m or £10m all up front or f**k off ‘Lampard's Derby'. We don't want any of that £3m upfront, and if he scores 200 goals we get the rest. 🤬🤬😡😡
9

Ploarbear1 added 12:24 - Jul 25 If he wants to go, he'll go but I really don't think we can afford to lose him. I don't think we'll be able to find another player of his quality in this window. 8-10 million is a fantastic return on 200k but it remains to be seen what we can do with the funds. Need to replace Waggy as well as find some decent centre backs. We've looked decent (bar Braintree) in pre-season from the limited footage I've seen and the write ups on here but I can't help but feel we're going to be lacking a bit of creativity again this season. Waghorn was pretty much our sole creator in chief last season. With all the positive stuff he was posting on social media regarding Bart staying I'm disappointed to hear that it looks like he's handed in a transfer request. Let's hope this new lad Harrison hits the ground running and the team is built around players like Dozzell, Downes, Nydam and Edwards. Still feel fortunate that we managed to get Hurst as he speaks a lot of sense and is keen to prove himself at a higher level. Seems very down to earth and hopefully is the sort of manager that players want to play for. I think we'll start the season well with a win over Blackburn whether Waggy is here or not.

2

osborne1nil added 12:25 - Jul 25 If Martyn wants to stay and we can manage without the profit on the sale then tell them where to go. Not sure what Derby's gates and income is but these levels of spending seem to make a joke of financial fair play!
9

Pilgrimblue added 12:29 - Jul 25 That being so then unless ME gets megga bucks this is likely to be dead in the water. Personally I don't think he's worth that sort of money but maybe a better contract will be offered to stay. I'd prefer him to stay as we need his experience to balance the team and feel he's settled here. Also there's a short term risk for him going elsewhere and not living up to his current form. Here he could build on last season and have a longer career at this level.

1

Lightningboy added 12:37 - Jul 25 The ball is firmly in our court..if they want him then tell them it's £8m (or whatever) - up front or no deal. How on earth are these piddling little clubs allowed to tap up our contracted players anyhow?
3

Woodbridgian added 12:46 - Jul 25 I"m pretty sure the player wants to go given Hurst comments last night if he said he wants to stay why wouldn't he of said that! Equally Derby local press is saying the deal will be heavily defendant on add on etc so don't think for a moment it going to be the cash upfront But as I've said before if the player wants to go then he will so if thats the case lets get on with it. If he wants to go then lets get on with it while theres time to get a proper replacement in unlike the Murphy situation

0

iaintaylorx added 12:47 - Jul 25 Wish this would get sorted ASAP, to be honest. If we get £8M+ for it, then that is a few signings we can get with that money, plus what is left from the Webster sale! We will need to embed them into the team as soon as! But, I do hope Waggy stays. I also doubt that Waggy has handed in a transfer request!
2

leftie1972 added 12:55 - Jul 25 would love him to stay to aid the promotion push, but would also love the money his potential sale would raise to bolster the rest of the squad. also v glad that Freddie score last night!
2

crazyblue68 added 12:56 - Jul 25 We have a week and a half to get a decent replacement. Get on with it Evans. We also need defenders. This is going to all end in a mess.
1

finidi added 12:56 - Jul 25 This maybe a situation where the wife does not like it in Suffolk, has know one considered that. They play a big part.
-1

itsonlyme added 13:09 - Jul 25 if he goes well we need to be strong and demand a decent fee. I sincerely hopes he stays and shines against Blackburn. But, whatever, we are still woefully light on players.
1

lightingblue added 13:14 - Jul 25 If Derby have all this spare cash to waste, I've a bank account that's willing to accommodate if need be!! It will be a win win situation. They give me there spare cash they want to lose/waste and I'd be more than willing to walk away quietly into the sunset. Isn't that what dreams are made of
0

Kitman added 13:18 - Jul 25 ..at what stage do we effectively write a player off? So we keep him having rebuffed all attempts. What will happen in January? Will go then? Or do we take the money and run now, get replacement(s) in and know where we are with the playing squad moving on...
1

lightingblue added 13:20 - Jul 25 I see Nugent is available. Least if we sign him he can't score against us lot
3

BlueandTruesince82 added 13:24 - Jul 25 EDP says Waghorn has not handed in a transfer request (doesn't make it true of course) Derby about splash 6 mil on Marriot (Thanks Mick, doesn't mean they won't move on Waggorn) Evans apparently wants at least most of the cash up front This is all good news.... keep it comming.
1

hoppy added 13:38 - Jul 25 And is there a sell-on clause with any percentage of any profit due to Rangers on any deal, Phil?
0

JewellintheTown added 13:39 - Jul 25 Right, I'm going to be having words with Waggy tomorrow morning and get this all sorted. Leave it to me, ladies and gents. .. to be continued.
1

mojo added 13:55 - Jul 25 He could still score own goals Lightning!
1

mojo added 13:56 - Jul 25 Sorry Lightning meant lighting.
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