Derby County have officially approached Blackburn Rovers manager John Eustace to take over as their new head coach. The move comes after Derby sacked Paul Warne on Friday, following a series of poor results in the Championship.

Eustace, whose Blackburn side recently suffered a 2-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup, confirmed the approach in a post-match interview with BBC Radio Lancashire.

I've just come off the pitch and realised that they've made an official approach. I'll have to chat with the owners and see what's happened, Eustace stated.

The former Derby player, who made 62 appearances for the club across two spells, has faced challenges at Blackburn, winning only two of their last 11 league games. Despite the struggles, Eustace remains committed to his role at Ewood Park.

I'm away from my family a lot and, as everyone is, I'm working my socks off to make sure that Blackburn are really competitive. It's about seeing this club be back where it should be, he added.

Meanwhile, Derby are in desperate need of a turnaround, sitting 22nd in the Championship after a string of defeats. Their recent 1-1 draw against Norwich City ended a seven-game losing streak, but the club is keen to stabilize under new leadership.

Eustace's connection to Derby and his experience in the Championship make him a strong candidate for the job. However, Blackburn fans will hope he remains focused on their ambitions for the season.

Key Points:

• Derby County have made an official approach for John Eustace.
• Eustace has struggled at Blackburn, winning only two of their last 11 league games.
• Derby are 22nd in the Championship and seeking a managerial boost.
• Eustace has ties to Derby, having played there in two separate spells.

Will Eustace make the move? Or will he stay loyal to Blackburn? The coming days could be crucial for both clubs.