'The leader we need' - Derby County transfer target tipped to sign for Leeds United

Derby County transfer news: Joe Hart was linked with a move to the Rams as well as Championship rivals Leeds United and Turkish top tier side Besiktas last month

Derby County were linked with a move for Burnley goalkeeper Joe Hart in April and now he has been backed to shine for one of their Championship rivals.

Leeds United were also mentioned as possible suitors for the former Manchester City stopper, while Turkish side Besiktas had also been tipped to rival the pair for the 32-year-old.

Now former Rams and Leeds striker Noel Whelan has said Leeds should take a punt on the reported Pride Park target.

Hart's contract expires at Burnley next month so he will be available on a free, but the wage he demands will be of Premier League standard.

Derby County daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox

There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Derby County news with our daily newsletter.

Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Rams news, views, gossip and opinion.

All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this...

And what's more, it's absolutely free!

You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter.

We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest Derby County news.

Download the Android app on Google Play

Download the App from the Apple Store

The former Birmingham City loanee hasn't played a Premier League game since Boxing Day 2018 and will be on the move this summer.

And Whelan reckons Leeds should make a move and thinks Hart will slot in at Elland Road.

"If he is available on a free transfer you are not going to be losing out on much," Whelan told Football Insider.

"His wages will be big though, do not get me wrong but we could possibly get two years out of him.

"He has been a mixed bag since he has left Manchester City and we have not seen the best of Joe Hart.

"I hope Leeds could get the best out of him because there is a fantastic goalkeeper in there and his career tells you that.

"Sometimes you need to find that right club to get that confidence back again.

"He has the experience and I am sure he's the leader we need."