Derby County is interested in Ipswich Town forward in an exclusive report.

Derby County are already preparing for another ambitious summer recruitment drive after narrowly missing out on the Championship play-off places last season, and a departing Ipswich Town attacker has now emerged as a potential transfer target for the Rams.

Following significant financial backing from owner David Clowes over the past year, Derby manager John Eustace is expected to continue reshaping his squad ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

The Rams fell just short of securing a play-off position this season, but optimism remains high around Pride Park, particularly with the Championship play-off spots expanding to include the top eight teams next year.

That change is expected to increase competition throughout the division and could encourage clubs like Derby to invest aggressively in pursuit of promotion.

After a season filled with encouraging performances and noticeable progress under Eustace, the Midlands club are already exploring options to strengthen key areas of the squad before the transfer window officially opens.

Derby County preparing for another ambitious summer

Derby’s ambitions have been clear ever since Clowes took control of the club and backed Eustace in the transfer market.

Last summer saw Derby spend heavily on several important additions, including Patrick Agyemang, Max Johnston, Carlton Morris and Derry Murkin.

Those signings helped improve the overall quality and depth of the squad as Derby pushed toward the play-off positions during the recently completed campaign.

Although they ultimately missed out on a top-six finish, the Rams remained competitive throughout much of the season and demonstrated clear signs of progress under Eustace’s management.

The expansion of the play-offs next year has only increased optimism around the club’s chances of challenging again.

Derby are therefore expected to remain active in the market as they search for players capable of adding creativity, goals and experience to the squad.

Loan players played crucial role for Rams

One of the defining features of Derby’s campaign was the impact made by several loan signings.

Temporary additions proved hugely important at different stages of the season, with a number of borrowed players making strong contributions.

David Ozoh, Bobby Clark, Ben Brereton Díaz, Sammie Szmodics and Jaydon Banel all played meaningful roles throughout the campaign.

Some arrived during the summer, while others joined midway through the season to strengthen the squad during Derby’s push for the play-offs.

Among the most notable was Szmodics, who arrived on loan from Ipswich Town during the second half of the season.

The Republic of Ireland international enjoyed a productive spell at Pride Park and scored three goals during his temporary stint with the club.

His performances left a positive impression on supporters and coaching staff alike.

However, while Derby were pleased with Szmodics’ contribution, it is actually one of his Ipswich team-mates who has now emerged as a transfer target for Eustace this summer.

Conor Chaplin emerges as Derby target

Football League World understands that Derby are monitoring former Ipswich attacker Conor Chaplin ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

Chaplin is currently searching for a new club after Ipswich decided not to activate the additional one-year option in his contract following their return to the Premier League.

The decision means the 29-year-old will officially leave Portman Road after five years with the club.

As a result, Derby are now reportedly considering a move to bring the experienced attacking midfielder to Pride Park on a free transfer.

Chaplin has developed a strong reputation across the Football League over the course of his career and is no stranger to promotion battles.

The versatile attacker has enjoyed success at multiple clubs and possesses extensive Championship experience, qualities which are likely to appeal strongly to Eustace as he prepares for another demanding campaign.

With Derby looking to add attacking creativity and proven quality to their squad, Chaplin is believed to fit the profile of player the club are targeting this summer.

Chaplin’s journey through the Football League

Chaplin’s professional career has taken him through every level of the English Football League.

The forward initially made his name with Portsmouth F.C., where he progressed through the club’s academy system and became a fan favourite because of his technical ability and eye for goal.

He later spent time with Coventry City F.C. before eventually joining Barnsley F.C. in 2019.

During his spell at Oakwell, Chaplin gained valuable Championship experience and continued to establish himself as an intelligent attacking player capable of operating in multiple positions across the frontline.

However, in 2021, he decided to drop down to League One after completing a £750,000 move to Ipswich Town.

That decision ultimately proved to be an inspired one both for the player and the club.

Chaplin played key role in Ipswich’s rise

Chaplin became one of Ipswich’s most influential players during their climb back through the divisions under manager Kieran McKenna.

The attacker played a major role in helping the Tractor Boys secure promotion from League One during the 2022-23 season.

In that campaign, Chaplin produced outstanding numbers, scoring an impressive 26 goals and becoming one of the most dangerous attacking players in the division.

His movement, creativity and finishing ability helped transform Ipswich into one of the strongest teams in the country outside the Premier League.

Chaplin also contributed significantly the following season as Ipswich achieved a second consecutive promotion and returned to the Premier League.

During the 2023-24 campaign, he scored 13 goals and registered nine assists while continuing to operate as a crucial attacking presence in McKenna’s side.

His performances earned widespread praise and cemented his reputation as one of the Championship’s most effective creative attackers.

Reduced opportunities in the Premier League

Despite his importance during Ipswich’s rise through the divisions, Chaplin struggled for regular game-time after the club reached the Premier League.

Most of his appearances during the 2024-25 season came from the substitutes’ bench as Ipswich adapted to life in the top flight.

The increased competition for places limited his opportunities to establish himself as a consistent starter at Premier League level.

In search of more regular football, Chaplin eventually returned to Portsmouth on loan for the majority of the recent campaign.

Although his second spell with Pompey did not produce spectacular numbers, he still demonstrated flashes of the quality that previously made him such a key figure for Ipswich.

Chaplin scored twice in the league during the 2025-26 season, but many clubs are still expected to view him as an attractive option because of his previous Championship pedigree and experience.

Derby may face competition for Chaplin

Because Chaplin is available on a free transfer, interest in the attacker is expected to grow as the summer progresses.

Players with proven Championship experience and promotion-winning backgrounds are always likely to attract attention, particularly when no transfer fee is required.

However, Derby are understood to be among the first clubs seriously considering a move.

Eustace appears eager to add players capable of helping the Rams take the next step after narrowly missing out on the play-offs.

Chaplin’s versatility, intelligence and experience could make him an ideal addition to Derby’s attacking options.

The former Ipswich man is capable of operating behind the striker, as a second forward or in wider attacking roles, giving Eustace tactical flexibility.

His understanding of promotion races and high-pressure environments may also prove valuable within a Derby squad hoping to challenge near the top end of the Championship next season.

For now, Derby’s interest remains at an early stage, but Chaplin has clearly emerged as a name to watch as preparations for the summer transfer window intensify.