Another Premier League team join the chase for Derby County midfielder

Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion lead the race to sign Derby County’s Jason Knight this summer, reports The Sun.

This isn’t the first time Knight has attracted Premier League interest, in January both Burnley and Leeds United were keen on signing the midfielder. Other teams such as West Ham United and Crystal Palace have been reported to be keen also.

The 20-year-old played in 43 of the Rams’ 46 Championship games this season, scoring two goals in the process. Derby manager Wayne Rooney gave Knight the responsibility during parts of the season to be Derby’s captain. During this season, the midfielder received top praise from his manager Rooney, as he labelled the midfielder a ‘manager’s dream’ due to his attitude and desire.

Rooney said: “He’s very vocal, which is very rare for a young player these days. He gives everything in training – tackling, running. Very similar to the way I was at his age. I was a player who believed at 20 that I should be captain of Manchester United. I told Alex Ferguson that in the Champions League against Roma away, and I know Jason Knight is the same.

“He’s a manager’s dream. He gives everything. I still want more from him quality-wise – in terms of crosses, shots, goals, assists – but in terms of what we are trying to build for this group of players he fully deserves it whether he’s 19 or whether he’s 30.”

Knight’s performances and determination for Derby saw the midfielder make his international debut for the Republic of Ireland in October. The 20-year-old hasn’t looked back since and has made another three appearances for his country, after representing the Under-17’s to the Under-21’s in recent years.

It’s believed Knight could be joined by fellow Rams midfielder Louie Sibley in departing the club this summer as the club look to address their financial situation. There is no update on the potential purchase of Derby and the longer the uncertainty goes on the more players like Knight and Sibley will be linked to the exit door. Speaking in January about potential departures of players, Rooney said: “The players I want to stay at this football club will stay here.”

Rooney promised the Derby fans at the end of the season that the club will be in a ‘different place’ next season. Keeping players like Knight will help in doing such a thing.

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