Everton will have to make a deadline day decision over the future of Matthew Pennington as Derby County enter the race for the defender, per the Derbyshire Telegraph.
Pennington is currently away from Goodison Park on loan with Ipswich Town and has been a regular member of the Tractor Boys XI, starting all of his 24 appearances so far this season.
Despite his key role for Paul Lambert’s side, who are currently bottom of the Championship, Derby are being claimed to be preparing a late swoop for the 24-year-old as Frank Lampard looks to add depth to his roster at the last minute.
Due to the Everton academy ace’s situation, any deal would involve all three clubs agreeing to the move, with Ipswich and the Toffees mutually agreeing to terminate his contract at Portman Road.
Everton and Derby would then have to enter late negotiations to thrash out the terms of the deal that would see Pennington move to Pride Park for the remainder of the season.
The Rams’ hopes, however, could be strengthened by Ipswich’s negotiations with Aston Villa for defender James Bree, who the Derbyshire Telegraph are touting as Pennington’s successor.
Pennington’s contract at Goodison Park runs until 2021 and he has made nine senior Toffees’ appearances.