Derby eye up Stoke loan stars

It appears that Premiership new boys, Derby County have been casting more than just an eye over last season's loan stars.

With both Lee Hendrie and Salif Diao both desperate for another crack at the Premiership, both are reported to be looking down the A50 as they hunt for somewhere to play next season.

Hendrie has long been linked with anyone but the Potters recently, with Leicester and Coventry allegedly talking to the former Villa midfielder. Hendrie's dad (former Pulis team mate, Paul Hendrie) started talks with Derby before they even won the play-off final at the end of last month as it became clear that Stoke were not going to be able to match his wage demands.

Diao is a free agent after June 30th as his short term contract with the Potters ends, and the club have started negotiations with the Senegalese international with a 'tell us what you want' opening gambit. He is now also reported to be discussing a possible move to the Rams.

I've already written off a permanent signing for Hendrie and would not be desperately disappointed if he did not rejoin us, but I would be disappointed if the club did not pull out all the stops to get Salif to resign on the dotted line.


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