Derby County are reportedly in the market for loan additions in the summer transfer window and Manchester City defender Stephen Mfuni is amongst those being considered.
Football League World reported that an impressive second half of the 2025/26 season with Watford has put Derby on "red alert" as they look to fend off expected interest for the 18-year-old.
The Rams are "lining up a loan swoop" for the Man City man, who is acknowledged as one of the Citizens' highest-rated talents after emerging through the club's youth academy.
Mfuni's performance in Watford's 2-0 win over Derby was undoubtedly amongst a number of displays in the 2025/26 Championship campaign that alerted the attention of the East Midlands outfit, playing 90 minutes at left-back on that particular day.
His time on loan with the Hornets saw his minutes split between the left-back and centre back positions, making eight Championship appearances for the club after they reportedly beat Sheffield United to his signature.
He made one appearance for Man City before his temporary switch to Vicarage Road, playing 45 minutes in his side's 10-1 demolition of Exeter City in the FA Cup.
An ankle injury sustained in March saw his season cut short at Watford, but he left a lasting impression during his short spell at the club and could be seeking regular football before making the permanent jump into Man City's senior setup.
Derby's reported interest in Chelsea midfielder Kiano Dyer proves that they are doing their due diligence on potential loan additions from the country's leading youth academies, and who can blame them after the success they've had over the years.
Mason Mount, Harry Wilson and Fikayo Tomori are amongst the names who have excelled whilst on loan at Pride Park over the years, while the Rams turned to former Liverpool graduate Bobby Clark on a 12-month loan spell last campaign.
He impressed so much that the club opted to sign the midfielder for £6m from RB Salzburg just a matter of days ago, becoming their fourth all-time record signing.
Derby will be hoping that if they can get Mfuni -- and other loan deals -- over the line, they too will shine as the club look to book their return back to the Premier League after narrowly missing out on a play-off position last term.
