Derby County eye loan deal for Leicester City defender Filip Benkovic?

Leicester City defender Filip Benkovic has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Derby County.

Having impressed on loan at Celtic last season, the centre-back would have expected to be provided with opportunities with the Foxes during this campaign.

However, the form of Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu has led to the 22-year-old not being used in the Premier League or EFL Cup this season.

According to The Telegraph, East Midlands rivals Derby are looking to take advantage of the situation by offering the Croatian first-team football at Pride Park.

After a poor opening five months under Philip Cocu, the Rams hierarchy are prepared to provide the funds for the Dutchman to make significant additions in January.

That seemingly involves an approach for Benkovic, who has been tipped to eventually challenge for a starting role at Leicester.