Derby County: Nigel Clough fears John Brayford could leave

Derby County manager Nigel Clough fears John Brayford will look to leave at the end of his contract, but is confident Craig Bryson will stay with the club.

Midfielder Bryson, 26, and defender Brayford, 25, both have a year to run on their current deals.

But Clough does not want to risk them leaving for free in 12 months.

"There was some interest in John in January and last summer so he will probably want to see what is out there," Clough told BBC Radio Derby.

"In an ideal world we will keep everybody. John has been unbelievable for us for three seasons, but every player has the ambition to play at the top level and if that opportunity arises then he has to has a look at it."

Brayford, who previously played under Clough at Burton Albion, joined the Rams from Crewe Alexandra in May 2010. and has been strongly linked with a move to promoted Cardiff City.

However, Clough said the club were "getting closer" to a new deal with Bryson, who joined the Rams from Kilmarnock in May 2011 and has become a key member of the first team.

"It is a priority to get him tied down. There are not too many Craig Brysons out there. We see him as being integral to our plans for the future," the Rams boss added.