Derby County are in active talks to sign West Bromwich Albion midfielder Alex Mowatt as the club pushes to strengthen ahead of the September 1st transfer deadline.
Reporter John Percy has confirmed that Derby are in discussions with West Brom over a deal for Mowatt, whom they came close to signing during the 2025 summer window.
An opening offer for the 31-year-old has already been rejected, with the Baggies appearing reluctant to let go of one of their key midfield assets.
Mowatt registered one goal and four assists across 39 Championship appearances last season, continuing to demonstrate his value at second-tier level.
Former West Brom manager Carlos Corberan was full of praise for the midfielder following a 3-0 victory against Portsmouth, saying: “Alex Mowatt’s level of finishing for his two goals was excellent and magic. We know he’s a player with very good finishing, so hopefully he keeps on giving us this level.”
The experienced Englishman has made 404 second-tier appearances across his career, giving him a depth of Championship knowledge that Derby’s current midfield options largely lack.
Mowatt also enjoyed a standout spell with Barnsley, contributing 20 goals and 23 assists in 162 matches and featuring in every single League One game during their promotion-winning 2018-19 campaign.
Derby manager John Eustace currently has midfielders including Bobby Clark, Oscar Fraulo, Kenzo Goudmijn, and Owen Eames at his disposal, none of whom have extensive Championship experience.
Lewis Travis remains the most seasoned option in the middle of the park with 270 Championship appearances, but further reinforcement appears to be a priority for the club.
Derby are also keen to secure Southampton striker Ben Brereton Diaz on a permanent basis after he delivered seven goals and three assists across 40 Championship matches on loan last season.
The proposed takeover by Turki Alalshikh was abandoned at the 11th hour, which may force Derby to adapt their transfer strategy, though their pursuit of Mowatt remains firmly ongoing.
In addition to Mowatt and Brereton Diaz, Derby opened talks near the start of August to sign FC Basel winger Philip Otele, who can also operate as a centre-forward.
Basel are willing to sell the Nigerian for just £4.3m, and he is expected to leave the Swiss club after spending the second half of the 2025-26 season on loan at Hamburg.
Otele scored twice in the Europa League last season and contributed five goals and four assists in 20 league appearances for Basel, offering an intriguing option despite being unproven in England.