Derby County

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Erol Bulut says Ebou Adams will return to Cardiff City next season unless Derby County make a move to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis.

Adams helped the Rams win promotion back to the Championship after joining them on loan in January.

The 28-year-old had made nine appearances for Bulut’s Cardiff in the first half of the season and has another year to run on his Bluebirds contract.

Speaking after Derby clinched promotion last weekend – and amid suggestions the Pride Park club would like to sign him on a full-time deal - Adams said he did not know where he would be playing next season.

When asked about Adams’ situation, Cardiff boss Bulut said: “I congratulate him for the victory - they got promoted. He was a big part of the season, he helped the team a lot.

“New season, we are all together here we will see how it goes. He is still under contract at Cardiff City.

“Let’s see how he thinks, how his manager thinks, how the clubs think, Cardiff City and Derby. If they are interested, they have to discuss with our club.”

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Cardiff City midfielder Ebou Adams says “the fans have said it all” after Derby County supporters urged him to stay at Pride Park.

Adams, who joined Derby on loan in January, was part of the Rams side that clinched automatic promotion back to the Championship on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Carlisle United.

Adams, 28, has proved a big hit at Pride Park and his Good Friday winning goal against Blackpool was voted by supporters as the Rams’ goal of the season.

The former Forest Green Rovers player has a year remaining on his Cardiff contract, but was serenaded by Derby fans with cries of ‘Ebou Adams, we want you to stay'. He has hinted he would like to remain at Pride Park.

"Words can't describe," he told BBC Radio Derby. "I think the fans have said it all. I've really enjoyed my time and I've loved it here. I've loved it. Honestly, I've enjoyed every single minute. Thank you to the fans, thank you to the club.

“I owe them so much. I'm happy to give them promotion, because that's the minimum they deserve. Hopefully next year they can go and do what they deserve to do.”

Adams says he is unclear on his future.

"It's never goodbye from me," he added. I don't know where I'm going to be."