According to SportsBoom, Derby are the leading contender to sign 27-year-old English attacking midfielder Todd Cantwell from Blackburn Rovers, where he is the club captain. The opportunity has emerged due to a contract stand-off, as Cantwell is demanding a wage he believes reflects his form since joining in 2024. Blackburn's club chief, Rudy Gestede, has admitted that the club cannot compete with such wage demands, which has created an opportunity for Derby. A potential playoff place for Derby could boost their finances sufficiently to meet Cantwell's terms in the summer. In addition to growing interest from the Championship, it is reported that Cantwell's former club Rangers are also interested. In the current 2025/2026 Championship season, Cantwell has scored 4 goals and provided 3 assists in 20 appearances. He has been capped 4 times for the England U21 team. His current market value is €3.00m, according to Transfermarkt, and Blackburn Rovers reportedly paid €590,000 to sign him from Rangers in August 2024.