Derby eye Sunderland’s Scotland international

Derby County are reportedly lining up a loan move for Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt.

The Championship side, who were knocked out of the Capital One Cup by League Two Portsmouth last night, are desperate to bring in another midfielder before the close of the transfer window following the news that Will Hughes will be sidelined for up to six months with a knee injury.

The 26-year-old, who has one international cap for Scotland, failed to score in 24 appearances in all competitions for Sunderland last season.

Bridcutt only arrived at the Stadium of Light last January in a deal worth around £3m from fellow Championship side Brighton and Hove Albion.

However; the defensive midfielder is now deemed to surplus to requirements under Black Cats boss Dick Advocaat and could be tempted into a loan move to Paul Clement’s Rams before the close of the transfer window.