3/1 To Win
Gary Rowett has expressed his delight at making Tom Lawrence the fourth addition to his Derby County squad this summer.
The 23-year-old forward has put pen-to-paper on a long-term contract with the Rams after an undisclosed fee was agreed with Premier League side Leicester City for his services.
The Wales international starred during an impressive season-long loan at fellow Sky Bet Championship side Ipswich Town last term - winning their Player of the Year award - and, as a result, attracted interest from a number of clubs this summer.
Rowett says Lawrence was his number one attacking target this summer and that patience has been required to get the deal over the line.
The Derby boss told RamsTV: “Tom was our number one target in that position and he had a fantastic season at Ipswich last year.
“It has taken a lot of energy to get this transfer done and, to be honest, I don’t think people realise how difficult these transfers are to do.
“This one has taken the best part of two months to get over the line. We have been in daily contact with his agent, Leicester City and various people.
“We have beaten some good teams to getting his signature as well so we’re really pleased about that.”
He added: “I think the deal we have done is a really good one and a really strong signing for us.”
Rowett believes Lawrence has a number of exciting qualities which will make him a positive addition to the Derby squad.
His desire to take on defenders and create chances has left the Rams’ boss believing the wideman is a ‘throwback’ to a traditional winger.
He said: “He scored 11 goals and set a similar number up at Ipswich.
“He had a bright season at Portman Road and at 23 we feel he is someone that can add real value to our team. He has real energy and a verve about him.
“Tom is prepared to take people on and is a throwback to an old winger; he wants to beat people and make things happen. He is very direct and he can score some fine goals from nothing, which we saw last year.”
Rowett still hopes to do more business before the end of the transfer window on 31st August.
So far this summer, it’s a case of four in and four out since the end of last season.
He said: “I hope it isn’t the last deal that we get done before the end of the transfer window.
“We knew this wasn’t going to be an easy job or an easy transfer window. We’ve always had the mindset to make as many changes as we can.
“We will keep working to see what we can do both in and out.”
