Max Bird is being monitored by Chelsea, according to Football Insider; the hard-working youngster has put in some impressive performances this season.
Derby County have undergone a renaissance under manager Phillip Cocu this season.
Despite not hitting the heady heights of last season’s play-off final run, the Rams have optimism of a different kind. This is largely due to young players like Max Bird being involved in the first team.
Chelsea’s Interest in Max Bird Could Interrupt Derby County’s Youth Revival
Home-Grown Talent
Young talent emerging straight from Moor Farm has bred new life into a side that heavily relied on Lampard’s loanees last season.
In January, owner Mel Morris told DerbyshireLive: “50% of our starting 11 should be academy players for next season.
“That was our target, and I think there is a possibility we could get there.”
Morris’ doesn’t sound silly either given the opportunities Cocu has offered youngsters this campaign.
Jason Knight, Louie Sibley, Max Bird and Morgan Whittaker have all had a run in the side this year.
They join the likes of Jayden Bogle and Max Lowe as academy graduates quickly becoming household names around Pride Park.
Midfield Trio Shining
Knight has been involved all season, making 26 appearances and providing four goals from in midfield or out wide.
In contrast, Louie Sibley has only recently arrived on the scene, playing for Derby’s under-23s until recently.
A battling performance in Derby’s televised 3-1 loss to Man United in the FA Cup and a left-footed strike from 25 yards against Blackburn on his full debut brought him into the spotlight too.
However, since boxing day, Max Bird has only missed two matches for the Rams, effortlessly slotting into midfield alongside none other than Wayne Rooney.
He has been a consistent performer, quietly going about his business, often doing the dirty work to win the ball back from the opposition.
Big Clubs Keeping a Close Eye
However, despite Bird’s unsung performances, many clubs have been alerted to his talent.
According to Football Insider, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard and assistant Jody Morris were big fans of what they saw from him last year.
The Blues look set to make a summer swoop for the 19-year-old.
This interest only highlights the great work done by Derby’s academy to develop such a group of promising youngsters.
However, Derby will need to decide soon whether they wish to hold on to some of their hot prospects.
Bird’s contract ends in 2022, with Knight and Whittaker recently signing terms to keep them at Pride Park until 2023.
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