Sky Sports have now provided an important update on Derby County’s pursuit of an “amazing” player during the summer transfer window.

Eustace happy heading into new Championship season

The Rams return to Championship action on Saturday afternoon, making the trip to Stoke City looking to get their campaign off to a flying start, as well as aiming to improve on last term’s 19th-place finish in the competition.

Derby manager John Eustace appears to be in positive spirits heading into the new season, talking optimistically after his side’s 2-0 win against Atromitos over the weekend.

“I thought the performance was professional. We’ve had a tough six weeks and it’s nice to finish off with a win today. The attitude of the boys was very good. It was great to see Ryan Nyambe come back and play his first 45 minutes for us as well. Carlton Morris did well, gaining more minutes in his legs. Young Isaac Gordon did very well coming on, too. It was a really positive day.”

New signings are important for Derby between now and deadline day, however, with Scotland international Max Johnston one player who they are pushing to bring in, already having one bid rejected by Sturm Graz.

New update on Derby's pursuit of "amazing" ace

According to a fresh claim from Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, Derby have now seen a second offer for Max Johnston turned down by his current club.

While disappointing to see the Rams again thwarted in their efforts to sign Johnston, it is encouraging that they are continuing not to give up on him, amid much interest in his signature from all over Europe.

Still only 21 years of age, the Scot has already made a combined 81 appearances in the Austrian Bundesliga and Championship, with Stuart Kettlewell calling him “amazing” during their time together at Motherwell after he won Scottish Young Player of the Year.

Johnston is also a two-cap Scotland international, with the defender no doubt expecting to add significantly to that tally over the years, so if Derby do end up signing him, it could feel like a massive coup.

Seen as an expert crosser of the ball, as outlined by Concept Scouting above, he would add much-needed quality down the right flank, and the fact that he also has Championship experience can only be a good thing, meaning he would likely fit in seamlessly from the moment he arrives.