Derby County are in talks with manager Gary Rowett over a new contract, as Stoke consider the 43-year-old as Mark Hughes' successor.

Rowett is in negotiations over an improved deal after guiding Derby to second in the Championship, just ten months after he was appointed by the Midlands club.

Stoke have identified the former Birmingham manager as a leading contender to replace Hughes, along with Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill.

But Derby are accelerating talks over Rowett's contract amid interest from the Premier League strugglers, while they are also determined to reject any approach. Rowett's current contract has 18 months to run.

Telegraph Sport understands it will require a figure of around £1.7m in compensation to prise Rowett out of Pride Park.