Derby County Opinion: Rams interested in Graeme Shinnie- a good move?
According to The Derby Telegraph, Derby County are interested in making a move for Aberdeen skipper Graeme Shinnie in the summer, with Sheffield United, Bristol City, Sunderland, Wigan Athletic, Rangers and Hearts also expressing an interest in the Scottish international.
The same report claims that Shinnie was at Derby this week to discuss the possibility of a move to Pride Park in the summer. The 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and he is unlikely to sign a new deal with the Dons.
Shinnie has been a key cog in Aberdeen’s first team this season, accumulating 3 goals and 3 assists from 33 appearances in the Scottish Premiership. He started his career back in 2009 with Inverness before completing a move to Aberdeen in 2015 and has established himself as a stalwart in Scottish football over the years.
The 27-year-old boasts of a total of 372 competitive appearances in all competitions for Aberdeen and Inverness combined, accumulating 21 goals and 48 assists.
Derby’s links with Shinnie should come as a piece of welcome news to the fans at Pride Park.
The Scottish international has a bagful of experience of playing in the top flight across
Furthermore, the acquisition of a seasoned campaigner like Shinnie on a free transfer would undoubtedly be a massive coup for the Rams.
Shinnie is primarily a left-back but he is equally adept at playing No.6 and No.8 roles in the middle of the park. Calm and comfortable in possession with a good understanding of the game, the Scotsman contributes a lot with his dogged work-rate and ball distribution, whilst also cutting out attacks with crucial tackles and interceptions.
There is nothing very special about him in terms of creativity but he can prove to be a useful presence at Pride Park owing to his leadership qualities and well-rounded attributes.
Derby are likely to lose the services of Craig Bryson for free at the end of the season while a long-term replacement for the ageing Tom Huddlestone should also be on Lampard’s wishlist.
Talking about Derby’s options at left-back, Scott Malone has been a reliable presence and the Rams can certainly consider using Max Lowe a lot more after his impressive loan spell at Aberdeen this season.
Someone like Shinnie would not only provide cover and increase competition for places in multiple areas of the pitch but also be a calming influence on the younger players irrespective of where Derby play their football next season.
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The final promotion playoff spot in the Championship is still very much up for grabs, with the likes of Middlesbrough, Bristol City and Derby all looking to book their seats in the playoffs.
The Rams will be hoping to end their 11-year-long absence from the Premier League and the acquisition of Shinnie in the summer would only look brighter if they make it back to the top flight.
