Derby County will look for a permanent deal for Bobby Clark in the summer following his impressive loan spell.

The midfielder came on loan from RB Salzburg last year and quickly established himself as a key member of John Eustace’s squad.

The former Liverpool youth appeared 33 times in the Championship as the team finished ninth in the table.

He produced three goals and three assists, and the Rams missed out on the playoffs by four points.

However, it has been reported that West Ham are also interested in signing Clark following their relegation from the Premier League.

Following the completion of his loan stay at Pride Park, the 21-year-old’s future is expected to be the subject of intense transfer speculation this summer.

Derby County and West Ham prepared for the Bobby Clark transfer competition.

Derbyshire Live claimed that at least half a dozen clubs are interested in recruiting Clark from RB Salzburg this summer.

Eustace previously stated that he would like to keep the midfielder at Pride Park beyond his loan period, but the Rams are now facing tough competition for his signature.

West Ham are among the probable bidders, but it is unknown whether any other Championship clubs are interested in a deal.

Rangers have also been linked with a bid for the 21-year-old, with Danny Rohl keen to improve his side after finishing third in the Premiership this season.

Derby will be hoping that his successful loan term will help the club win the race for his signature, but it is unknown what the player prefers at this time.

The midfielder, who helped the team compete for a play-off spot in 2025/26, is thought to have plenty of choices available.

Eustace’s side finished eighth in the table, missing out on a top six spot by four points.

However, another top-eight finish next year will be enough to qualify for the play-offs, with the competition extending to two more teams in 2026/27.

The prospect of vying for a spot in the top division with Derby could sway the competition for his signature in their favour.

However, the Hammers will be among the favourites for automatic promotion under Nuno Espirito Santo after finishing 18th in the Premier League table with 39 points.

Derby have their job cut out for them in signing Clark.

Derby can make a solid argument to Clark to continue with the club because he performed admirably under Eustace and received numerous accolades for his efforts.

The Rams are also clearly on a strong trend, having risen from 19th to eighth place in the table in the last year while also investing in the first team squad.

However, the prospect of playing for promotion-chasing West Ham may be appealing, and Rangers will be able to offer European action and a chance at big accolades.

Derby will have to work hard to keep all of these interested parties away from Clark, and it may be necessary to spend a lot of money to keep him.