Rams close in on young forward
Derby County are in advanced talks to take Manchester City striker Divin Mubama on loan for the upcoming season, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
The Championship side are looking to strengthen across the board this summer after narrowly missing out on a play-off spot last campaign.
What gives this particular deal an extra layer of sense from City's perspective is the presence of Ben Wilkinson on the Derby coaching staff. The former EDS manager — who spent a decade developing talent within the City Football Academy — was recently appointed as assistant to Jon Eustace at Pride Park.
That connection provides City's hierarchy with a level of trust they wouldn't ordinarily have when sending a promising youngster out on loan. Wilkinson knows the standards and knows exactly what Mubama needs from a developmental standpoint.
If the move goes through, Mubama would follow a familiar path of young strikers using the Championship as a springboard for their careers. From City's end, the logic is straightforward: guaranteed game-time maximises the player's value, while Wilkinson's presence means reliable feedback on his progress.
Personal terms are not expected to be an issue. What remains unclear is whether Mubama and his representatives will opt for Derby or consider other proposals from elsewhere.