Derby target Matthew Pennington would be backwards step from Fikayo Tomori

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Derby County are reportedly interested in Everton defender Matthew Pennington.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the Rams are one of several teams in the Championship that are keeping an eye on him.

It is understood that Derby retain an interest in the 24-year-old after chasing him in January and Wigan Athletic are also keen.

Pennington spent the season out on loan with Ipswich Town in the Championship, where he was one of the stronger performers despite facing relegation.

The Englishman is a centre-back that is strong in the air and decent in possession, which is why he could be successful next season in the Championship.

But he’s not quite made the grade with Everton in the Premier League and looks unlikely to make the breakthrough at Goodison Park.

Pennington is a decent target for Derby to chase, but his arrival would be a backwards step for manager Frank Lampard.

The Rams were lucky enough to have Fikayo Tomori for the season on loan from Chelsea and he was a colossus in the heart of defence.

The 21-year-old is a quick and powerful centre-back that looks destined for the elite level if he continues to progress, which is why trying to fill his void is going to be a helpless task.

Derby are going to have a tough summer ahead if they are to properly replace loan stars like Harry Wilson and Tomori in their team for next season.