Derby County have been dealt a blow in their pursuit to extend Danny Batth's contract at the club.
BBC Sport Derby took to X to report that "Danny Batth has rejected an offer from Derby County and is now highly unlikely to sign a new deal".
They added that, in spite of Batth's rejection, "the club is thought to have viewed the deal on the table as a fair valuation" for the 35-year-old.
As the Rams look to build on what was an impressive 2025/26 campaign, where they missed out on the Championship play-offs by just four points, their need for experience remains just as important as their need for youthful prospects.
While central defender Batth might not have had the biggest impact on the pitch last term, featuring on just 10 occasions in England's second flight, he is no stranger to the Championship and his knowhow shouldn't be diminished.
The 35-year-old has made 363 appearances in the division across spells at Sheffield United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Middlesbrough, Stoke City, Sunderland, Norwich City, Blackburn and, most recently, Derby.
While his Pride Park exit is all but certain, it's yet to be seen as to where the defender will go next. His injury record and lack of playing time may hinder his chances of securing a ninth Championship move, but EFL clubs are likely to be interested in a player with his background.
As for Derby, exciting times seemingly await. The club are on the verge of signing former loanee Bobby Clark, who enjoyed a productive spell with the club in the 2025/26 season, in a permanent deal worth £6m, while Saudi bankroller Turki Alalshikh reportedly remains keen on investing in the club.
