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Rams reveal interest in stars

DERBY COUNTY chief executive Keith Loring has revealed there has been interest from other clubs for some of their players.

Reports have linked Malcolm Christie and Mart Poom with moves away from Pride Park, but Loring insists despite receiving interest there has been no offers for any players which have matched their valuations.

Middlesbrough have been strongly linked with a move for jet-heeled striker Malcolm Christie and both Everton and Manchester United have been credited with an interest in Estonian shot-stopper Mart Poom.

"We have had interest in the likes of Mart and Malcolm from clubs over the past month but, contrary to reports, nothing within the last week," Loring told the club's official website.

"The kinds of figures discussed have not matched our value of the players but the clubs in question have asked to be kept in touch with developments.

"We have also, encouragingly, had interest in players who are not part of John Gregory's plans but we are not yet in a position to finalise any deals."

Meanwhile, Loring has refuted reports that the club still owe French side Bordeaux money from the transfer of Francois Grenet.

The Frenchman joined The Rams last November, but he has been told he has no future at Pride Park.

Derby had agreed that Bordeuax could re-sign him if they did suffer relegation, but the French club do not want to take up that option and want the transfer fee paid in full and are willing to contact Fifa to sort out the matter.

"We are aware of speculation from Bordeaux in regard to Francois Grenet.

"When we signed Francois Grenet he made it clear that he didn't wish to stay at Derby County should we be relegated and Bordeaux indicated that if the worst was to happen they would be interested in taking him back.

"Now we are simply in a period of negotiation to see if it is feasible for him to return to France. We have withheld one of the payments simply while the negotiations take place.

"But the amount paid for this player is nowhere near the £3 million stated. In fact it is £2.2 million. We are quite prepared to keep FIFA abreast of what we are doing, but at this stage we have had no contact from FIFA on this matter at all.

"I have offered to meet Bordeaux to settle the matter in everyone's best interests - the player, Bordeaux and most importantly Derby County Football Club."