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Leeds, Southampton scramble for signature of departing Derby captain Tom Lawrence

Southampton and Leeds United are among a host of clubs battling to secure the signature of Welsh star Tom Lawrence, TEAMtalk can confirm.
The Derby County captain is out of contract at the end of next month. He is set to leave after five years at Pride Park, following their relegation to League One.
During his time with the club, Lawrence has played 185 games, scoring 37 goals and assisting 25 more. This season, he managed 11 goals and five assists from 38 Championship appearances. He was Derby’s top scorer in 2021-22.
Despite Derby going down – after a big effort to avoid that fate – Lawrence could continue his career in the second tier, or even get an opportunity in the Premier League.
Southampton, Leeds, Bournemouth and Fulham are among the sides keen to take him to the top-flight. Meanwhile, Watford, West Brom and Nottingham Forest are also keen.
Watford suffered relegation from the Premier League this season, while Forest are aiming to win promotion via the play-off final against Huddersfield.
Bournemouth and Fulham have already secured their returns to the top flight.
We confirmed Fulham’s interest in Lawrence in January, as a potential replacement for Liverpool-bound Fabio Carvalho. But the Cottagers face competition for their target.
Leeds and Southampton, meanwhile, are already established in the Premier League. But they both finished just above the drop zone in 2021-22.
Each club is now interested in adding Lawrence to their ranks ahead of the new season.
Tom Lawrence has suitors outside England
Additionally, there is interest from foreign sides, with a number of Turkish clubs making an offer. Furthermore, Old Firm duo Celtic and Rangers are also keeping tabs on his situation.
Either could take him north of the border to Scotland for the first time in his career.
The 28-year-old, who has 23 caps for Wales, will have plenty of options to pick from when it comes to continuing his career away from Derby.
He previously made one appearance in the Premier League for Manchester United and three for Leicester City. But he has spent the bulk of his career in the Championship.
Capable of playing as a winger, attacking midfielder or striker, Lawrence could now be ready to prove himself at a higher level.
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