The latest transfer news from DerbyshireLive as John Eustace is doing a favour for a former Blackburn Rovers player

Former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Ryan Hedges is training with Derby County after his release from the Championship club.

The 31-year-old spent four-and-a-half seasons at Ewood Park and made 145 appearances, albeit his final campaign has hampered by injury and he missed three months in the second half.

He was one of three senior players whose contracts expired in the summer and the Lancashire Telegraph are reporting the winger is now working with the Rams.

The report suggests he is ‘just keeping fit’ but notes that he was a ‘favourite’ of John Eustace’s when the Derby boss was in charge at Rovers.

Indeed he played 40 Championship matches during Eustace’s tenure, either as a left winger or left wing back but sometimes on the right.

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All in all Hedges has played 168 Championship games, scored ten goals and assisted 13 others and having come through the Everton academy he made his first steps in senior football with Flint Town United. He has also played for Barnsley and Aberdeen before Tony Mowbray took him to Rovers January 2022.

The Rams currently have Derry Murkin, Craig Forsyth and Charlie Taylor as defensive options on the left, although they are depleted on the flanks in attack.

They do have extensive ties with Rovers, though, with Lewis Travis and Dion Sanderson having played for both clubs - and Andi Weimann and Danny Batth having done likewise.

DerbyshireLive understands Hedges is indeed training with Eustace’s squad and could even feature against Alfreton Town this evening but as things stand it is an informal arrangement and no deal is in the offing.

The Rams are though still pursuing Manchester City’s young striker Divin Mubama who spent last season on loan at Stoke City.

Would Hedges be a decent signing? Have your say

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