John Eustace is reportedly targeting a move for defender Dion Sanderson as the Derby County manager looks to strengthen his squad for the upcoming Championship campaign.
"Birmingham City" are expected to allow Sanderson to depart this summer after the 25-year-old center-back fell out of favor under current Blues boss Chris Davies. Despite starting last season in Birmingham's first team, Sanderson quickly lost his place to eventual Player of the Year Christoph Klarer.
Interestingly, this potential transfer would mark the fourth time Eustace and Sanderson have worked together. The pair previously collaborated at "Queens Park Rangers", "Birmingham City", and most recently at "Blackburn Rovers" - where Eustace arranged a loan move for Sanderson in January.
The defender's Birmingham career appears to be ending with a whimper rather than a bang. After joining from "Wolverhampton Wanderers" in a £2 million deal two years ago, Sanderson made just two League One appearances for Birmingham before Christmas last season. He subsequently played 12 times for Blackburn after his mid-season loan move.
"Birmingham" have already begun reshaping their defensive options, adding Phil Neumann during the close season. Reports suggest they're also interested in re-signing Ben Davies from "Rangers" following his successful loan spell.
For Sanderson, a move to Derby might offer the chance to restart his career under a manager who clearly values his abilities. Can Eustace help him rediscover the form that once made him a £2 million defender? The coming weeks should reveal the answer.
