“Ticks all the boxes” – Stoke City set sights on Derby County player: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Stoke City are weighing up a potential summer move for Derby County full-back Nathan Byrne, as per a report from Football Insider. 

The Potters are not the only Championship club in pursuit, with Millwall and Preston North End also monitoring the 29-year-old’s situation at Pride Park. 

With a contract that is set to expire next month, Byrne will be available on a free transfer and could prove to be a shred pick-up for a second-tier outfit. 

Byrne featured 41 times in the Championship for the Rams last season, emerging as one of the club’s better performers during the 2021/22 campaign. 

Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts regarding Stoke’s interest in the Derby full-back…

Adam Jones 

The right wing-back spot is one that definitely needs filling and he would be a great addition to the Potters’ cause, though he will need to make the adaptation to playing in a more advanced role after playing in a back four for Derby during the 2021/22 campaign.

With Tom Ince leaving as well, he won’t be an option on the right-hand side either so this would be a much-needed signing and on a free transfer, this is a move worth making.

Stoke will only have a limited budget to work with too, so this is an ideal addition and at 29, he still has plenty of years left in the tank.

It’s a no-brainer if they can beat other sides to his signature, though he will be hoping to add more goals and assists to his game.

Ben Wignall 

In my eyes, this would be a very good move for Stoke.

If Michael O’Neill is going to stick