Derby County join Celtic and Sheffield United in transfer pursuit of striker as 'chasing' pack swells in size
Sheffield United and Celtic are two of the clubs linked with the in-demand striker.
Derby County are said to have joined Celtic and Sheffield United in pursuit of an in-demand striker this summer.
The Hoops are set to require firepower reinforcements this summer after struggles in the number nine role. Kelechi Iheanacho has shown quality but fitness issues have emerged as Tomas Cvancara, Junior Adamu and Johnny Kenny have all proven unable to nail down the role at various times this season. Lorent Tolaj is one player linked amid a strong first season with Plymouth Argyle at League One level.
He’d arrive with brief Scottish football experience via a short-lived loan at Dundee from Brighton earlier in his career. Form has since been found at Aldershot, Port Vale and now Plymouth. He’s netted 21 times with seven assists this term and it’s attracted new interest from the likes of Championship side Sheffield United. Celtic have been linked since the winter and now it’s suggested Derby County, plus Millwall, are joining English Championship clubs in the running for the forward.
Who wants to sign Lorent Tolaj this summer?
Transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke claims via X: “Derby County and Millwall have joined the host of Championship clubs chasing Plymouth Argyle hit-man Lorent Tolaj. Derby see Tolaj as an ideal replacement for the injured Patrick Agyemang.”
Amid links surrounding Tolaj and Bim Pepple who was also linked with an exit from Home Park, boss Tom Cleverley said neither were showing signs of wanting to leave the club, having only joined in 2025. The former Manchester United midfielder said in February: "For as long as they are Argyle players and they are playing with that badge on their chest they are giving everything for this club.
“They love playing for this club. It's rightly so they should be recognised for what they are doing, and at this level your players will always be linked with clubs in higher leagues or different European leagues. They have both got good mentalities to have tunnel vision. They know their job. They have got high ambitions both individually and collectively at this football club, and neither of them have got any appetite to leave the football club."
“Their work every day shows that they are fully invested. That's all the players. Yes, they are two of the ones that are really shining at the minute, and that's usual with the goalscorers to get more of the press. They are all showing really good application at the minute and I'm delighted for them."
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