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Tom Lawrence wants Premier League return after Derby move

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Tom Lawrence admits his long-term ambition is still to be a Premier League player, after signing for Derby

Tom Lawrence insists his goal is still to be a Premier League player despite dropping down to the Sky Bet Championship with Derby.

The midfielder signed for Derby for a fee which could rise to £7m after failing to earn a first-team place at Leicester City.

Lawrence, whose career began at Manchester United, spent last season on loan at fellow Championship side Ipswich but the 23-year-old is planning only a temporary stay in English football's second tier.

Asked if he still has Premier League ambitions, Lawrence told Sky Sports News: "Yeah, that's got to be a player's main aim, to play at the highest level and just because you drop down a division it doesn't mean you're not going to get back there.

Tom Lawrence admits it was not a difficult decision to leave Leicester City
Image: Lawrence signed for Derby after failing to establish himself in Leicester's first team

"If you show your qualities hopefully a team will come calling or for Derby to go up it would be a great achievement."

The winger has also completed moves on loan to Rotherham, Blackburn and Cardiff, but has now linked up with Gary Rowett's team on a permanent basis - despite competition from elsewhere.

"I had other options, but the drive the manager put in, he showed me that he wanted me at this club, that's why I'm here now," said Lawrence.

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Tom Lawrence
Image: Lawrence admits it was not a difficult decision to leave Leicester City

He added: "That's a big thing for me, how much the manager wanted me as part of this club. When you drop down to the Championship it's still a great league. I'm looking forward to getting started and hopefully we can get this club in the Premier League."

Lawrence watched on as his Leicester team-mates won the Premier League title in 2016, but admitted he had no qualms about leaving the King Power Stadium this summer.

"I've had a mixed time there," said Lawrence. "I've not played too many games, been sent on loan a few times, so the timing was right.

"I didn't feel too many bad feelings for leaving, everyone kind of saw it coming."

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