Derby County and Swansea City-linked Stephen Mfuni has been in talks with Watford regarding a potential loan return, says the Hornets’ sporting director Luke Downing.
Derby County are said to be keen on landing the centre-back on a temporary basis this summer along with Swansea City as they prepare for another year in the Championship. DCFC will be aiming for a place in the play-offs after they missed out on the final day of last season.
Mfuni, 18, is highly-rated by Manchester City and he is under contract at the Etihad Stadium on a long-term basis. He spent the second-half of the past campaign at Watford and went on to make eight appearances for the Hornets, all of which came in the league.
He is now back in the North West for pre-season. Watford chief Downing has said, as per a report by BBC Sport: “The club are in contact with Man City regularly… so just wait and see. It’s unfortunate with loans like that because we’re never in control with them as they are not our players.”
Derby County have the chance to bring in some new faces over the coming weeks. They also have the opportunity to let some players head out the exit door if needed to help free up space and funds.
Derby County could see Mfuni as someone to bolster their defensive department. If he joined DCFC, he would give them more competition and depth at the back.
He has a bright future ahead of him in the game and is a promising young talent. The teenager could battle it out with the likes of Matt Clarke, Dion Sanderson and Sondre Langas for a place in John Eustace’s starting XI at Pride Park.
Mfuni would also fill the void left by Danny Batth’s recent exit. He has been on the books at Manchester City for his whole career to date and rose up through their academy.
The England youth international has been a regular for the top flight giants at various different youth levels to date. He has also played once for their first-team against Exeter City in the FA Cup before Watford came calling.
A switch to Derby County would make sense for Mfuni. DCFC should be able to offer him regular minutes as they aim to compete at the top end of the table.
The Wigan-born man is unlikely to get many opportunities at Manchester City next term. Therefore, another departure after his stint at Watford would suit him and would allow him to obtain more experience.
The Hornets already know him though and that could turn his head away from the Rams. Swansea City have also been mentioned so there is strong competition.
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