Rams look at Hammers defender

A new week begins and new targets for Derby County have been doing the rounds in the media. The latest Rams target is West Ham United defender Tyrone Mears, that is believed to be a loan target for the Pride Park club. Rams coach Billy Davies worked with the 23-year-old while at Preston North End, and he could become the Rams’ fifth signing of the transfer window.

His name has been mention on a number of occasions as a Rams target, but Davies is a manager who keeps his cards close to his chest when it comes to transfer targets and will not be drawn on the speculation, but he is a fan of the pacey defender, who can play in both full-back positions.
He joined West Ham from the Lilywhites for £1m deal in the summer but he has struggled to win a regular place at Upton Park, and new coach Alan Curbishley is looking to balance the books after recent big signings.

He has made only six appearances for the Premiership club and his last start in a West Ham shirt was against Newcastle United in September, another home defeat for the Hammers.

Stockport-born Mears came through the ranks at Manchester City, however upon Man City’s promotion to the FA Premier League in 2002, Mears’ first-team opportunities became limited, and was sold to Preston North End for £200,000. Mears signed for West Ham United for an initial £1million on 5 July 2006, but the deal could potentially rise to £1.9million depending on appearances and future international recognition with England, but a loan deal could be the best result for both parties`.

Any loan deal is likely to see the player stay with the promotion-chasing Rams until the end of the season, and a decision on his future made then.
Derby has brought in David Jones, Craig Fagan, Stephen Pearson and Gary Teale in the January window and had a bid for Bradford City winger Jermaine Johnson turned down this week.