Pride Park transfer speculation

The future of Adam Bolder at the Rams seems like it`s over. The 26-year-old has not figured in the side since the 1-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion on the 2nd December, and with Billy Davies signing a plethora of midfield players, Bolder`s time at Pride Park looks decidedly bleak.

The club has allowed Hull City to speak to Bolder, and QPR and Millwall are also interested in his services. But Hull City manager Phil Brown has warned Derby County the deal is in jeopardy with the valuation of the midfield not to their liking. Brown said: ‘Yes we are interested in Adam but it’s worth bearing in mind that Adam went to Derby for around £90,000 seven years ago.
‘If he was a free transfer then we are obviously going to be very interested in Adam but if Derby is holding out for a fee, then it might be a different matter.”

Bolder is the longest-serving player at Pride Park and with 18 months remaining on his existing deal, Derby are believed to have a six-figure fee in mind. If this is the case it will rule the Tigers out of the race for a permanent move to the KC Stadium before the transfer deadline at the end of January. If QPR are interested in Bolder a swap move for their young Australian midfielder Nick Ward would be an option. The Australian under 23 international was a stand out early for the Hoops, and was a target of Premiership side Fulham. But the 21-year-old hasn`t got a look in under John Gregory and looks surplus to requirements at Loftus Road.

Another player on the move is young 19-year-old striker Lionel Ainsworth, he has joined Conference Lreague side Halifax Town on a one month deal. The 19-year-old England youth international, is a product of the Rams Academy, and he signed professional forms with Derby County in August 2005, but his chances of a first team spot has been limited. A chance for first team football is something the Rams are looking for, and he has had a spell on loan at the end of last year with League One side Bournemouth. He made is debut for the Shaymen last night, and scored to earn his new side a point in a 1-1 draw against York City.

The Rams are still being linked with a move for West Ham United defender Tyrone Mears. The Rams are reported to have spoken to the defender but the Hammers are believed to want the 23-year-old as cover in the squad. But with the signing of Australian defender Lucas Neill from Blackburn Rovers this week, the move may now be on. It`s thought the Rams are looking at a loan move for the rest of the season and then look at a permanent move after. Mears has struggled to command a first team spot since his move from Preston for £1m, and is hoping to work for Davies again, who coached him at Preston

Another player linked to the Rams is Norwich City skipper Adam Drury. The 28-year-old defender still has 18 months left on his contract at Carrow Road and Coach Peter Grant has said he has had no bid for the talented defender. ‘I haven’t seen anything or had any contact about Adam,’ said Grant.
“We want to keep our best players and he’s one of our best players.’ A deal involving Rams keeper Lee Camp was thought to be part of the deal but as of yet nothing has been tabled between the clubs.