Derby County have made a late move for Watford defender Mattie Pollock as John Eustace attempts to see off competition from Millwall and Wrexham for the 24-year-old.
The Rams have endured a difficult start to the Championship campaign, with Saturday's 3-0 home defeat against Swansea City leaving them rooted just one place above the drop zone.
Eustace admitted that additions are needed over the final few days of the window when delivering his post-match verdict on his side's dismal defeat against the Swans, and it looks as though his wishes could be granted.
According to Football Insider, the East Midlands club have propelled themselves to the front of the queue for Hornets ace Pollock after making their move over the weekend.
Derby have made a new central defender one of their top priorities before Tuesday's 11pm deadline after Matt Clarke was ruled out with a long-term injury, somewhat depleting their backline options.
Pollock won't be an easy catch however, with the powerful Surrey-born performer having established himself as a mainstay in the Hornets backline.
He has been an almost ever present for the Vicarage Road side over the past couple of seasons and played the full 90 minutes in each of the Hertfordshire outfits league and cup fixtures this season.
Pollock was also crowned the club's player of the season back in May and it's understood he will only be granted a departure should his valuation be met and Watford be able to source a replacement.
Alessio Dionisi has overseen an unbeaten start to the 2026/27 campaign with his side holding promotion favourites West Ham United to a 1-1 draw on home soil at the weekend -- a game in which Pollock netted an unfortunate own goal in.
