Derby are reportedly ready to sell midfielder Giles Barnes in January, with Aston Villa, Manchester City and Portsmouth all linked with moves.West Ham, originally tipped to sign the talented 19-year-old, seem to have dropped out of the picture as their rivals step up their interest.

Barnes has only made six starts for the club this season after an injury-hit campaign but is still expected to command a £5million fee.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill and City chief Sven-Goran Eriksson are reportedly considering January move for Barnes, who signed up with the Rams as a trainee in 2005.

Portsmouth have also been tracking the midfielder as Harry Redknapp bids to plug his selection gaps when several of his first-team players will be involved in African Nations Cup duty.

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