Derby County has had a productive start to the transfer window, looking to build on a successful 2025/26 season under John Eustace.

The former Birmingham manager has done an excellent job at Pride Park since his arrival, and while the Rams’ failure to reach the play-offs in the previous season was disappointing, there is no doubt they are on the right track.

Now the issue is to make a few changes to improve the squad, and Derby have already done some good business by sealing a permanent deal for Bobby Clark following his impressive loan term.

Middlesbrough and Preston are vying for Man City’s Divin Mubama. Derby are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the deadline, with Patrick Agyemang set to miss a significant portion of the season due to injury.

Derby are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City’s Divin Mubama, who spent last season on loan at Stoke City, where he scored five goals in 26 games before being sidelined due to injury.

The 21-year-old will not have a free run, though, as Middlesbrough and Preston are also interested in him, according to the Daily Mail.

They explain that the child has previously spoken with Derby, but Borough and North End are now keen to swoop in on any deal, while Mubama and Man City have still to decide where he will play football next season.

Middlesbrough’s failure to earn promotion was largely down to their poor finishing, as Kim Hellberg’s side generated numerous chances during the season but were wasteful in front of goal.

That was also a problem for Preston, as Lewis Dobbin, who was on loan, was the only player to reach double figures, which they plan to address in the market this summer.

Divin Mubama might be a good signing for any Championship club.

Some may look at Mubama’s record at Stoke and be disappointed by the thought of him joining their team, and there is no disputing that it is not the best.

However, it does not tell the entire story, since he was a young player playing competitive football on a regular basis for the first time in his career, thus it is understandable that he needed time to adjust.

Then he suffered a significant injury that stalled his progress, making for a frustrating end to the season for Mubama, who will be eager to get back on track this season to demonstrate his abilities.

In terms of attributes, there is a reason why Manchester City signed the England youth international from West Ham: they consider him as having enormous potential.

He possesses tremendous physicality, which should serve him well in the Championship, and his ability to hold the ball up and run in behind makes him a perfect focal point.

So you can see why there is increasing interest in Mubama from clubs at this level, and whoever wins the race for his signature will be making a wise, low-risk move.