According to reports on the Chronicle Live, Derby County are leading a host of Championship clubs in the race to sign £5.5m-rated Newcastle United defender Grant Hanley this summer as the Magpies look to recoup the fee they paid for him last summer.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Scotland international was expected to be a regular in the Magpies backline having joined from Blackburn Rovers for £5.5m last summer but a disappointing debut on the opening day of the Championship season against Fulham saw him slip behind Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark in the pecking order.

Following the club’s promotion back to the Premier League, manager Rafa Benitez is keen to bring in at least one new centre-back and as a result it means that Hanley is now surplus to requirements.

While the Rams lead the chase having already submitted an offer of £4m, they could face competition from Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cardiff City as the Tyneside outfit look to receive the full £5.5m they paid for him last July.

How did Hanley do after that dreadful debut?

He struggled.

The 25-year-old made just a further nine Championship appearances following the showing at Craven Cottage, of which only five were as a starter.

Why are so many clubs interested?

Despite a disappointing season, Hanley is still an experienced and committed defender at this level and he also now has the knowledge of winning promotion from the Championship – something that will be an attractive trait for his potential suitors.

Who could Newcastle sign to replace him?

The Magpies have been linked with a number of centre-backs already with the likes of Manchester City’s Eliaquim Mangala, Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma and Hull City’s Harry Maguire all reportedly on their wanted list.

The latter seems the most likely arrival, but you can’t rule anyone out at this stage.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, there is no doubt that Hanley will be on his way out of St James’ Park this summer and that Derby County seems to be a sensible destination.

The Magpies will just hope that they can get the highest fee possible for him, considering Mike Ashley has promised Benitez that he will receive every penny of incoming transfer fees to strengthen his squad.

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