Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer admitted he could see a scenario where Dolan joins Derby in the summer when his contract at Blackburn expires, and he believes the move could still be possible if the Rams are relegated to League One.

“Tyrhys Dolan is out of contract at Blackburn, and this is an indictment of what has happened at the club that they have been unable to agree fresh terms with him,” Palmer said.

“I think there is no way he signs, I’ll be very surprised if he signs a new contract at Blackburn.

“They’ve been trying to tie him down, but they haven’t been able do that.

“He’s a big admirer of John Eustace, but the only thing is, would he want to drop down a league?

“If we look at Jay Stansfield, he dropped down two leagues to join Birmingham – albeit he will be back in the Championship next season – and sometimes it’s a good thing to do.

“I could see him playing at Derby.

“I think Derby will go down under John Eustace, which would be unfortunate, but if they do, I think they’ll come back up at the first attempt.

“He will be available on a free transfer, and I think Derby will be able to put an attractive package together to convince him to come to the club.

“However, there will be no shortage of takers for Dolan in the Championship, so it’s just a question of whether he is prepared to go down to League One for a season.

“Derby could do a deal with Dolan to stay for one season, and then if they don’t get promotion, let him go.

“He could go there and tear it up, which he would do in League One.

“I never signed for football clubs, I signed for managers, and he’s made it very clear how much he rates John Eustace, so it wouldn’t surprise me.

“I don’t see him signing a new contract at Blackburn, but there will be a lot of Championship clubs interested in his services.”

Derby County’s Tyrhys Dolan hopes could depend on Championship survival