Derby County could be offered Hull City midfielder Ryan Woods as part of an exchange deal for academy graduate Max Bird.
According to Darren Witcoop, the Tigers are considering upping their offer for the Derby ace after it was revealed yesterday that Liam Rosenior’s men had seen their their initial bid rejected.
Thought to have been a ‘derisory’ offer, and one that fell way below the Rams’ valuation for Bird, it was quickly knocked back. However, Hull are expected to improve their offer, and out-of-favour Woods may be used as a sweetener in the deal.
Former Derby boss Gary Rowett has worked with Woods before both at Stoke City and Millwall, previously stating that the 29-year-old is a ‘top midfielder’.
Remembered most fondly for his time at Brentford, the Tigers’ player has been unable to find a home since departing the Bees in 2019.
He made 128 appearances for the club during his four-year stay, scoring three and assisting ten from a holding midfield role.
The Englishman was the Players’ Player of the Year for the 2016/17 season before being named the Supporters’ Player of the Year for the following campaign.
Woods then departed Brentford for the Potters in the summer of 2018, initially on loan before making the switch permanent.
In three years with Stoke, he made just 39 appearances as he was twice loaned out to Millwall in order to get game time.
Next up was a season with Birmingham City. The midfielder signed a permanent deal with the Blues two summers ago, but left just over a year later to link up with Hull where he currently resides.
Could Woods work?
Woods has made 27 appearances for the Tigers, but is seemingly deemed surplus to requirements at the MKM Stadium.
Somewhat of a journeyman in recent years, he is yet to score since leaving Brentford and has registered just seven assists.
It remains to be seen as to whether or not Paul Warne would want Woods in his squad, we know that he is particular about the players he brings in, but should the former Stoke man be included in the deal it would mean at the very least that Derby would not be a body down in midfield.
