Derby target Flint after he announces Cardiff exit

FORMER Bristol City defender Aden Flint is a target for Derby County, according to reports, following his release from Cardiff City.

Flint penned a farewell message to Bluebirds fans on Friday and although Cardiff are yet to formally publish their retained list, the 32-year-old’s three seasons in South Wales are coming to a close.

The centre-back is a free agent next month and The Sun’s Alan Nixon reports the Rams have made an approach to bring Flint, pictured, to Pride Park, albeit with American Chris Kirchner needing to complete his protracted takeover of the League One club.

Of interest to City fans is the claim that Wayne Rooney’s wish to sign Flint, as Derby prepare for life in the third tier, doesn’t affect their desire to keep hold of veteran centre-back Curtis Davies, who is believed to be under consideration as a possible summer addition for Nigel Pearson.

Flint made 78 appearances for Cardiff over three seasons after joining the club from Middlesbrough in 2019. Boro had paid City about £7 million for his services in the previous summer after an enormously popular and memorable five-season spell at Ashton Gate.

On Friday, Flint said his goodbyes to Cardiff fans with his most memorable moment being his winning goal at Swansea City in the South Wales derby last season. “My time at Cardiff City has come to an end,” Flint wrote on Instagram. “First of all it’s been a privilege to play and score goals for this club. There’s been many highs and lows during my three years, but the memory that will last with me forever, is scoring against them lot down the M4! To captain the club on many occasions is a huge honour for me. I’ve met some fantastic people and made some friends for life. Finally I want to say a big thank you to the Bluebirds fans, your support has been amazing”

Flint is among a number of former City favourites, and key pillars of the 2014-15 double-winning side, available on a free transfer the summer with Marlon Pack (Cardiff), Korey Smith (Swansea) and

Luke Freeman (Sheffield United) all either leaving or set to depart their clubs this summer.