Bristol City make move for Derby star as relegated Rams' takeover rumbles on

Bristol City are ramping up their interest in experienced free agent Curtis Davies as Derby's takeover drags on.

Rams boss Wayne Rooney and his players are waiting for Chris Kirchner's takeover being completed. Kirchner exchanged contracts with Derby administrators last week to buy the crisis-hit club but the agreement is subject to a third party buying the stadium and leasing it back.

Derby player of the year Davies is out of contract and one of several players being chased by rival clubs after his outstanding individual season in the Championship. He played every game this term at centre-back and scored four goals for County who are in League One next term after finishing 23rd after being deducted 21 points.

His leadership skills were crucial to galvanising Derby's dressing room amid numerous off-the-field problems. Davies is open to staying for a tilt at promotion but is attracting interest from old club Hull and Bristol. The star has emerged as a popular pundit on TV and radio but wants to play on after a stellar season in which he also never missed a single training session.

Robins boss Nigel Pearson is now pressing ahead with plans to bring in Davies for his experience and personality. Bristol City finished 17th this term and Pearson feels his dressing room is too quiet and needs bigger characters. Pearson has worked with Davies previously at West Brom and with England U21s and could now capitalise this week on Derby's on-going takeover as Kirchner's completion date is set for May 31.

With growing doubts over Davies' future, Rooney has been linked with a move to sign veteran centre-back Aden Flint on a free transfer ahead of next season's League One campaign. The 32-year old, who calls Pinxton in Derbyshire home, is in search of a new club after confirming that last season would be his final campaign in South Wales for Cardiff City.

Flint made 38 appearances in the Championship during 2021/22, scoring an impressive six goals and assisting a further two from defence.

Derby have also been linked with a move for Lee Gregory. He spent six months on loan from Stoke City in 2020/2021, scoring three goals in 11 appearances for the club as Wayne Rooney's men avoided relegation in his first season in charge.

The 33-year-old joined the Owls on a permanent basis last summer, signing a two-year deal at Hillsborough. He's played a total of 39 times in all competitions this season, scoring 17 goals, including one in the play-off semi-final defeat vs Sunderland.