Teale next on Rams hit-list

The Rams transfer window spending`s hasn`t ended and Gary Teale looks to be the next transfer target as the Rams look to wrap up a hat-trick of new signings within a week. Derby have signed centre forward Craig Fagan from Hull City and, midfielder Stephen Pearson from Celtic, as the board at Pride Park come to the party and support Coach Billy Davies has he hopefully guides the club back to the Premier League.

The 28-year-old Wigan Athletic winger, who has been unable to break into the Premier League side, is understood to be in talks with the Rams, and a £600,000 figure has been reported. Rams coach Billy Davies is keen to bring the fellow Scotsman to the club to bolster the push towards promotion.

Teale plays on the right, in a wide midfield role, and the Glasgow-born player has won five Scotland caps.
He was standout in Wigan`s 2004-05 promotion-winning campaign, in which he made 37 appearances. He played 23 games in the Premiership last season but has been restricted to just seven games during this campaign and appears surplus to requirements at the JJB Stadium.

Teale joined Wigan for £200,000 in 2001 from Scottish club Ayr. He began his career with Clydebank.in 1996, followed by a three year spell at Ayr United. But it was at Wigan Athletic that he blossomed as a player, picking up a title for the 2002/03 Second Division, also proving crucial in the 2004/05 season in which The Latics were promoted into the Premiership..

Teale’s impressive performances for his club, earned him International recognition and he was won his first Scotland cap in a 3-1 defeat to Switzerland on 1 March 2006.
Derby’s Championship rivals, Burnley and Preston North End, have also been linked with a move for Teale but the Rams seem to be in pole position to win his services.