Derby County and Blackburn Rovers are preparing to compete with Scottish club Rangers for a centre-back who hopes to play for Manchester United’someday’.

At this point, there has been no Derby update on one of its defenders, Danny Batth, who was last reported to be in talks over his future, according to the Rams’ retained list.

If the 35-year-old does not sign on again, Matt Clarke, Sondre Langås, and Dion Sanderson will be the three main center-backs at Pride Park next season, with Craig Forsyth available if needed.

Blackburn Rovers, meanwhile, would need to replace ex-Derby player Eiran Cashin, who joined on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in January and made an immediate impression at Ewood Park.

Derby County, Blackburn Rovers, and Rangers are interested in Excelsior’s center-back Casper Widell.

Rangers are reportedly interested in 23-year-old Swedish centre-back Casper Widell, who now plays for Excelsior in the Eredivisie.

However, it is understood that Derby County and Blackburn Rovers are also interested in the defender, who has previously stated his desire to play for Premier League giants Manchester United.

As an 18-year-old, Widell told Helsingborgs Dagblad, “My favourite team is Manchester United, so one day I will play for them.” And I want to do it when I’m feeling my best.

Widell said, “Then I’ve always told myself that my goal is to become one of the best in Sweden and one of the best center-backs in the world.”

Those earlier remarks occurred when Widell was rising through the ranks at his first club, Helsingborgs IF. He appears to have been well regarded as a youth after representing his national squad.

Widell was a constant presence for Excelsior this season, starting all 34 Eredivisie games and scoring once as the Rotterdam team finished 13th in the Dutch top tier.

According to FotMob statistics, the defender is right-footed and stands 6’3″. He won 106 aerial duels in 25/26, more than any other player in the league.

According to Advić, Widell’s contract with Excelsior expires in the summer of 2027, although he may accept a better offer.

How Derby County and Blackburn Rovers could have the advantage over Rangers to sign Casper Widell

You may or may not be aware of Casper’s older brother Melker, a 24-year-old midfielder who joined Swansea City from AaB Aalborg in January 2025.

It’s unclear whether Casper’s family connection influences his thoughts on a potential move to England or Scotland, but the connection to the Championship is already there, which might help the Rams or Rovers outbid Rangers.

In truth, Derby signing a Swedish centre-back from the Eredivisie makes a lot of sense.

Firstly, Kenzo Goudmijn spent a loan spell at Excelsior before joining the Rams permanently from AZ in the summer of 2024, and Derry Murkin, who signed from Utrecht on deadline day in February, is another illustration of Derby’s ease in recruiting from the Netherlands.

This takes us to the Scandinavian Rams contingent. Derby has Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, Lars Jorgen Salvesen, Langås, and Oscar Fraulo on its roster.

Despite Tronstad’s departure, Blackburn retains Mathias Jørgensen and Andri Gudjohnsen, its own Scandinavian players.

This three-way chase will undoubtedly be exciting to watch in the coming weeks.