Derby County are just one game away from securing a return to the Championship as they welcome Carlisle United to Pride Park this weekend.

The Rams know that just a point will see them earn automatic promotion from League One this season as they go into the final day three points clear of Bolton Wanderers, who face Peterborough United, along with the advantage of goal difference being in their favour.

It would mark a fine campaign under the stewardship of Paul Warne, who could add a fourth promotion to his managerial CV should Derby complete their objective, with the hopes of continuing to improve in the second tier next term.

But the success of next season will be determined during the summer window, with a number of the East Midlands side’s top performers linked with a move away from Pride Park in the summer, with the Rams head coach confirming contract talks with his players were put on hold until the conclusion of this campaign.

But it is a player who recently signed a new deal at the club that has attracted the most interest.

The former Rams boss has opened up about what it was like to be the manager during times of financial turmoil

Eiran Cashin transfer rumours

Eiran Cashin

Warne’s standout player this season has undoubtedly been defender Eiran Cashin, who has developed an exceptional understanding alongside Curtis Nelson, recently honored as Rams’ Player of the Year.

Cashin’s transition into the first-team fold during the 2021/22 season has been seamless, with his debut under Wayne Rooney followed by a consistent starting role after the club’s relegation to League One.

After Clowes Developments took over, Cashin secured a contract extension until the end of the current season, featuring in 52 matches across all competitions during the 2022/23 campaign, despite the Rams missing out on a top-six finish.

This season, Cashin has maintained his impressive form, contributing significantly to a team filled with seasoned players and helping them reach a promising position heading into the final game of the season.

However, his performances have not gone unnoticed, attracting interest from various clubs. Brighton and Hove Albion had bids rejected last season, while other Premier League sides like West Ham United, Burnley, Birmingham City, and Middlesbrough showed interest during the January transfer window.

Although there were rumors of an impending bid, Cashin committed his future to Pride Park with a new deal extending until 2027. Despite this contract, it’s expected that interest will resurface for the talented 22-year-old, and Derby might be compelled to sell him if a substantial offer is made, even if promotion is secured.

Eiran Cashin statistics this season

Untitled design (6)

It is clear to see why Cashin has so many admirers from the higher divisions in the English football pyramid when looking at his statistics this term.

Having previously mentioned, the defender has built up a solid partnership with Curtis Nelson this term, contributing to the Rams having the best defensive record in the division having let in just 37 goals this term, one less than Lincoln City in second.

Eiran Cashin’s Derby County statistics as per Transfermarkt and FotMob
Appearances 51
Goals 3
Assists 1
Minutes played 4,346
Clean sheets 22
Successful passes 1,671
Pass accuracy 71.8%
Tackles won % 76.1%
Duels won 380
Interceptions 69
Dribbled past 25

The emerging defender has continued to excel under Paul Warne, marking yet another academy product who thrives when given first-team opportunities.

Derby County experienced the departure of Max Bird, another homegrown talent, earlier this season as he joined Bristol City in January, only to be loaned back for the rest of the campaign. The club will be optimistic that Cashin remains with them, especially as they prepare for a potential return to the Championship after two seasons outside the division.

GET MORE NEWS HERE