Derby County are set to strengthen their midfield with the permanent acquisition of Ebou Adams from Cardiff City, according to recent reports.

Over the past few weeks, it has become well-known that the Rams were eager to bring the Gambian back to Pride Park after his successful loan spell last season. Adams joined Derbyshire from Cardiff in January on a temporary deal and made 17 appearances in League One, contributing to Paul Warne’s side earning automatic promotion to the Championship.

On the final day of the season, Derby secured their place in England’s second tier with a 2-0 win over relegated Carlisle United. Adams, who won the Man of the Match award, was serenaded with chants of “We want you to stay” from the home supporters.

It appears the fans’ wishes are about to be granted. John Percy of The Telegraph reported on Thursday that Derby County are close to finalizing a deal to permanently sign Adams from Cardiff. The club is set to pay just under £1 million for his services. Darren Witcoop later specified that the fee is £900,000 and that Adams is expected to rejoin the team next week.

Additionally, Witcoop mentioned that despite nearing the signing of Adams and having already secured Kenzo Goudmijn from AZ Alkmaar and free agent Ben Osborn, Derby are still in the market for another midfielder.

Warne evidently believes that strengthening the midfield is crucial to avoiding relegation back to League One. With Adams’ expected return, Derby County will have signed three midfielders this summer, but the manager is keen to continue bolstering the squad.

The newly-promoted side had shown interest in Ipswich Town’s Idris El Mizouni following his successful loan at Leyton Orient last season. However, the Tunisia international has since moved to Oxford United. It remains unclear who else Derby is targeting.