George Thorne has told West Bromwich Albion that he is not prepared to sit on the bench and be a "squad player" next season.
The 21-year-old midfielder didn't make a single appearance for the Baggies last season, spending time on loan at both Watford and Derby County in the Championship.
It was with the latter that he had success, breaking into their first team towards the end of the season and helping them to the playoff final.
He has now admitted that he would be a open to a permanent move to the Rams, even though it means dropping down a division.
"I won't rule out a move [to Derby]," he told the Sunday People. "The squad, the manager, the style of play, the fans. It's a great club.
"But one thing I will rule out is that I won't be going anywhere to be a squad player."
Thorne made 12 starts for Derby in the final months of 2013-14, scoring twice as they finished third in the table.
The Rams' chief executive Sam Rush recently admitted that they are trying to sign Thorne permanently.
Pascal Lemesre
