Huddersfield Town’s star midfielder Jacob Butterfield looks set to join Championship rivals Derby County.

Striker James Vaughan is another who could well be heading through the exit door, possibly to League I Wigan Athletic, as Tuesday’s 6.00pm transfer deadline approaches.

But sources say Town have no intention of selling Joe Lolley, who has been linked with another League I club, Peterborough United.

Persistent Derby, without a win and desperate to bolster their midfield options after an injury to Will Hughes, have already had a number of bids for Butterfield knocked back.

It’s believed they are ready to offer a package worth up to £4m – and Town would find that sort of figure hard to resist as they continue to work to a tight budget.

Huddersfield Town v Queens Park Rangers: Joe Lolley tries a shot.
Huddersfield Town v Queens Park Rangers: Joe Lolley tries a shot.

Butterfield has been an integral part of the team ever since he moved from Middlesbrough a year ago for a fee Town have confirmed as £500,000.

Losing the reigning Player of the Year would be a big blow, both to manager Chris Powell and the fans, who have already seen another midfielder, Conor Coady, join another Championship club, Wolves, for £2m.

And it would leave Town with the challenge of finding a replacement for a player who himself came in as Adam Clayton departed to Boro and fellow midfielder Oliver Norwood to Reading.

It might not happen before the deadline, but Town know the Football League loan window will be open in anther week.

Lewis McGugan of Sheffield Wednesday in action with Conor Coady of Huddersfield Town Action Images / John Clifton
Lewis McGugan of Sheffield Wednesday in action with Conor Coady of Huddersfield Town Action Images / John Clifton

And they have already recruited Wales international Emyr Huws on temporary terms from Wigan.

Rams boss Paul Clement insists there is a financial limit to which his club will go.

But Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat by Leeds United won’t have done anything to ease the pressure on the former Real Madrid and Chelsea coach.

Injury-plagued Vaughan has been told a Town contract which runs until next summer will not be renewed and that he is free to seek another club.

And the £600,000 buy from Norwich City is likely to be after a permanent, rather than loan move.

Town may consider loaning wideman Lolley out, but that would be dependent on other transfer activity.