Derby County boss John Eustace has confirmed that the Rams are looking to strengthen in a position where their latest transfer target plays.
On Saturday afternoon, Derby County lost 5-3 to Coventry City in a dramatic eight-goal thriller.
The score was 2-2 at the interval before a remarkable comeback from Frank Lampard’s side stunned the Rams.
Lampard ended Coventry’s Pride Park hoodoo, but the Rams’ prospects for the season ahead remain exciting following their stellar summer transfer business.
With Derby circling Blackburn captain Lewis Travis, the Rams are also chasing another familiar face to Championship fans.
Derby County are ‘frontrunners’ to sign ex-QPR loanee Koki Saito
Derby have added a plethora of quality reinforcements for manager John Eustace this summer, and their spending is not done yet.
The Rams are reportedly “frontrunners” to sign Japanese winger Koki Saito, who spent last season on loan at QPR.
Telegraph reporter Mike McGarth revealed this week: “Birmingham among teams bidding for Japanese midfielder Koki Saito from Lommel.
“The £5m-rated player also has offers from QPR following 24/25 loan, Derby + Dutch club FC Twente. Decision to be made on where to play this season.”
After Derby’s defeat to Coventry, he added on X: Derby’s bid for Japanese midfielder Koki Saito has met Lommel’s valuation.
“#DCFC now frontrunners for the 24yo and in final talks with Belgian club over the deal. They are discussing deal with Saito’s camp”.
Saito scored three goals and notched three assists in 39 Championship outings for QPR last season on loan from Belgian top flight side Lommel.
Last season, former QPR boss Marti Cifuentes told BBC Sport of Saito: “That’s exactly his specialty. That’s where he makes the x-factor moments. Hopefully, today will be a little bit of a relief to him.”
John Eustace issues Derby County transfer update amid Koki Saito links
With Derby closing in on signing Saito on loan, Eustace confirmed that the Rams need to improve “in wide areas”, but failed to specifically mention the Japanese starlet.
As quoted by the Derbyshire Telegraph, Eustace said: “I think in wide areas (where he would like to strengthen Derby).
“I think you can see today we changed our structure because we didn’t really have any wide players available.
“We still want to bring in some players in midfield to help us in that area as well. There are still areas we need to improve.”
With Eustace confirming wingers are needed before the window slams shut, Derby could target Grady Diangana this summer after his exit from West Brom, but Saito would also be an exciting recruit for the Rams.
