Is Derby Hamza’s next destination?

Leicester City manager Russell Martin says there has been “lots of interest” in Bangladeshi star Hamza Choudhury after he was linked with a move to EFL Championship side Derby County.

Hamza was left out of the squad that travelled to Ipswich Town last night as the Foxes exited the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 defeat at Portman Road.

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That decision came just hours after he was linked with a switch to Derby who are eager to bolster their squad ahead of the transfer window deadline next week.

He is one of four players that Leicester have received significant interest in, a list that also includes Wout Faes, Stephy Mavididi and Woyo Coulibaly.

Asked about Hamza, who has made 166 appearances for the club, Martin explained his absence was a result of clubs being keen on the 28-year-old.

"Hamza is another one, like Wout, Couli and Stephy who has lots of interest," he said. "Nothing concrete yet, but I need to really prepare with the guys we think are definitely going to be here.

"If he stays, he stays, great. And if not, it means it's a good deal for him and for us. And it's the same as I said to you with Wout and Stephy. He's still our player.

"And when I talk about energy, Hamza is a great guy, a top guy. But sometimes, when you are not all in because maybe there's interest elsewhere, maybe you think, 'oh, this is going to happen'.

"By the way, none of them have been a problem. They've been amazing, so I'm not criticising anyone. They've honestly been so good in the training ground. But when it's a game day, the energy, I need people to be there and all in.

"It's really difficult when things are happening in the background. So we'll see. We'll see with Hamza. We'll see with Wout. We'll see with Stephy. If they're still here in a week's time, no problem, great. Good players, good people, they can help us. And if not, then the guys who we know are going to be here, they've minutes on the pitch and they've played with connection and togetherness."

With Hamza entering the final 12 months of his deal at the King Power Stadium, Leicester are understood to be eager to remove his wages from their budget.

The 28-year-old spent the latter half of last season on loan at Sheffield United, where he clocked up 19 appearances, including 16 starts. According to reports in the Telegraph, Derby have now intensified their pursuit to bring him to Pride Park.

Hamza has yet to be named in Leicester's starting XI since their drop to League One this campaign, though he has come off the bench on three occasions. His most recent outing saw him introduced in the 34th minute during their loss to Burton Albion at the weekend, as Martin's side continue to struggle in the third tier.

While Derby already possess Lewis Travis and Alex Mowatt as defensive midfield choices, Hamza brings considerable top-flight and second-tier pedigree. His honours include Leicester's FA Cup triumph in 2021, the FA Community Shield the following season, and the Championship crown in 2023-24.