Mansfield's Tom Naylor completes Derby County move

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Tom Naylor
Image caption,

Naylor also had a trial with Premier League side Fulham

Derby County have signed Mansfield Town defender Tom Naylor on a six-week loan deal, with a view to making the move permanent in January.

The Rams last week agreed an undisclosed fee for the 20-year-old centre-half, external following a trial spell.

Naylor came through the youth ranks at Field Mill and made his Stags debut as a 17-year-old in April 2009., external

Rams boss Nigel Clough said: "Tom is one for the future who we feel can develop into a Championship player."

Naylor has also spent time on trial with Derby's Championship rivals Burnley, external and Premier League side Fulham.

Blue Square Bet Premier side Mansfield also rejected a bid from League One team Bournemouth, external.

Clough added: "He has a lot of potential and we hope he can fulfil it in a Derby County shirt.

"Tom has been on trial at a couple of clubs in the last few weeks and been linked with various moves so I am sure he is looking forward to settling down here and proving his worth.

"He's got a few weeks to see how he settles and progresses here and if all goes well then we will look to go down the avenue of making the move permanent in January."

Stags manager Paul Cox said: "We're chuffed for Tom. He has been a dream to work with and is an honest boy."

"It's part and parcel of football for bigger clubs to come after the hot prospects at smaller clubs, and this deal has been good for both parties.

Naylor, who has only played 23 times for Mansfield, said: "I'd like to thank everyone at the club who has helped me progress through the ranks - I will always be grateful.

"This is a big opportunity for me and I'm really looking forward to this fresh challenge.

"I will always look out for Mansfield's results in the future and hope the club can get the success it deserves."

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