Paul Warne has disclosed that Derby County is negotiating with an undisclosed club about acquiring a striker, potentially from a Premier League team.
In a BBC Radio Derby interview following a 4-3 pre-season loss to Barnsley on Wednesday night, Warne commented: “I’ve been in discussions with a club this week about a player I really want to bring in, who would significantly enhance our squad.
“However, even if I’m given the go-ahead to sign him, I doubt it will be finalized before our first game of the season, unfortunately.
“We need another striker because, as seen tonight, it’s crucial to bolster our attacking options.”
Currently, Derby has five strikers: Conor Washington, Dajaune Brown, James Collins, Jerry Yates, and Kayden Jackson. Despite their potential to play alone or in pairs, these players collectively scored just 34 league goals last season, prompting the Rams to seek additional attacking strength.
Derby County’s Striker Stats 2023/24 (TransferMarkt)
– Conor Washington (Derby County): 19 apps, 3 goals, 2 assists
– Dajaune Brown (Gateshead): 18 apps, 6 goals, 0 assists
– James Collins (Derby County): 38 apps, 14 goals, 2 assists
– Jerry Yates (Swansea City): 43 apps, 8 goals, 1 assist
– Kayden Jackson (Ipswich Town): 29 apps, 3 goals, 4 assists
Although Warne has not revealed the identity of the targeted striker or their current club, it’s essential for Derby to consider younger additions. The average age of their current strike force is 28.2 years, heavily influenced by the 19-year-old Dajaune Brown. Despite Brown’s potential, he has yet to prove himself in a higher division, having scored eight goals while on loan at Gateshead last season.
To compete effectively in the Championship for the 2024/25 season, Derby needs a reliable goalscorer who can deliver consistently. Yates, who scored eight goals last season with Swansea City, is currently their best option but struggled compared to his 14-goal tally in his last season with Blackpool.
Warne might not urgently need another striker if Yates can return to form, but additional competition could benefit Derby’s prospects.
Sonny Bradley at Luton Town
Related: The Sonny Bradley factor that might make him a Derby County mainstay.
Bradley, the former Luton Town captain, joined Derby last summer.
Warne may be concerned about last season’s injury issues, especially in February and March when all five strikers were sidelined. Collins missed six weeks with a knee injury, while Dwight Gayle, his replacement, was injured for the rest of the season after a hamstring injury.
Having more strikers could reduce the risk of having none available at once. The ongoing negotiations might stretch beyond the start of the EFL season, suggesting the target club could be in the Premier League, where loan decisions are often finalized late in August.