Reported Derby County and Birmingham City target Joe Pigott has told Sky Sports that his current numbers are the best in his career as he eyes further improvement.
The AFC Wimbledon striker is making a name for himself in League One.
Pigott scored 18 goals for all competitions for the League One club in 2018/19, but he’s on track to beat that record with 13 goals and four assists so far this season.
His form has attracted plenty of interest. TEAMtalk claimed in November how Derby, Birmingham City, Bristol City and Huddersfield Town are all monitoring his progress.
And speaking to Sky sports, Pigott says he is now playing the best football of his career.
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“My numbers are the best they have ever been at this stage of a season. I think I am playing the best football of my career now, but I know I have got a lot more to give and improve upon. I’m 27 now but I think I will still be getting better right into my 30s as a player. As a striker you have got to be as adaptable as possible to the team you are playing in. I just have to put myself about and play to the way the team suits.”
Pigott was also the subject of Championship interest last summer.
Wales Online claimed Swansea City and Reading were keen, while AFC Wimbledon are open to selling for a bargain £200,000 with Pigott’s contract expiring in the summer.
AFC Wimbledon are midtable in League One. While £200k is on the low side, the Merton-based club may prefer cashing in this month rather than losing him for free in the summer.
Birmingham and Derby are both struggling this season.
The Blues are on a wretched run, losing six of their last eight games. Aitor Karanka’s side have scored just twice in six games and are desperate for extra attacking quality.
Derby, on the other hand, are the league’s joint lowest scorers with 15 goals in 24 games.
The Rams have improved under the guidance of Wayne Rooney. However, the squad lacks attacking options and Colin Kazim-Richards at 34 will need a rest at some point.
A new striker should be a top priority ahead of the deadline. If the finances are there, Pigott would make plenty of sense for Derby given his playing style and natural goal threat.
Also see: 2020 Derby target Rooney played alongside reportedly set to join Championship club
Also see: ‘Feel sick’: Some Derby fans react as young talent reportedly on verge of Liverpool move