Derby County are in dire straits and simply can’t score goals. The same, however, can’t be said of reported striker target Kasper Junker who is in the form of his life.
According to VG, Derby were one of a few clubs tracking Bodo / Glimt ace Junker.
The 26-year-old struggled to make a name for himself in his native Denmark. He had spells at Randers, AGF and Horsens, failing to hit double figures in a single campaign.
But since moving to Norway, the 6ft 1inch striker has exploded.
Junker has netted 18 goals in 19 games since January, including a strike against current Serie A leaders AC Milan in the Europa League in September at the San Siro.
MORE DERBY STORIES
In his last three games, he has scored six goals – a brace in each game.
Derby, meanwhile, have managed just five Championship goals all season while they were also held to a 0-0 draw at home to League Two side Barrow in the cup.
The Rams’ leading goal scorer this season is Martyn Waghorn with two goals. Both of his strikes came via freekicks, as did Wayne Rooney’s winner in Derby’s only victory to date.
Derby have struggled with the absence of a proper centre-forward. Chris Martin left in the summer on a free transfer, while Jack Marriott was loaned out on deadline day.
Manager Phillip Cocu enjoyed plenty of success at PSV Eindhoven with battering ram Luuk de Jong upfront. The Dutchman acted as a pivot and target man for the side.
But during Cocu’s tenure at Derby, the closest comparison would be Chris Martin and it’s no surprise that his departure has coincided with a shortage of goals this term.
A failure to sign a replacement such as Kasper Junker has prompted in Derby’s awful run of form which sees them sitting at the bottom of the Championship table.
The Bodo / Glimt striker will be pursued by plenty of clubs in the January transfer window. In Derby’s case, however, it seems they have missed the boat on him.
Also see: £17m player wanted by Derby and Boro was once tipped to become Old Trafford’s greatest
Also see: ‘Huge potential’: Former international boss suggests Derby job perfect for PL number two