Derby County ‘came in late’ with an offer to sign Sheffield Wednesday defender Jack Hunt in January, according to journalist Alex Miller.

The Lowdown: Warne’s connection

The League One right-back has been based at the Hillsborough Stadium since 2021, but having fallen out of favour playing just three minutes of football between September and January, his future heading into the window was uncertain.

Rams manager Paul Warne already knows the 32-year-old having managed him at his previous club Rotherham, and following a fresh update, news has emerged that he made a last-minute move to try and bring him to Pride Park.

The Latest: Derby make Hunt offer

Taking to Twitter, Miller revealed that Derby approached Sheffield Wednesday regarding a possible deal for Hunt, though the Yorkshire outfit were quick to turn it down. He wrote:

“Told Derby came in late in the January window with a cheeky effort to take Jack Hunt off Wednesday's hands.

“The landscape has changed on the Owls right and after a heel-kicking first half, Hunt can be important in the title run-in.”

Expanding in his column for The Star, the reporter stated that the offer put forward was a ‘structured free transfer’, but the Owls ‘swiftly stamped out’ the chances of a move.

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The Verdict: Worth another attempt

Hunt will be out of contract at Wednesday at the end of the season so Derby should definitely look to capitalise and make a second approach in the summer.

The Rothwell-born talent has clocked up 17 assists and two goals during his spell with Darren Moore’s side and has already put 20 crosses into the box this term, showing his desire to constantly get down the flank.

Despite primarily being a right-back, the veteran can also operate in four other positions, including centre-back and in midfield, which will be an attractive attribute to the boss.

Should Hunt not extend his stay with the Owls, Derby will be hoping that his existing connection to Warne will give them the advantage in the race for his signature this summer.