Derby County boss Paul Warne has set his sights on Bristol City right-back Kane Wilson.
After Warne admitted to RamsTV that he is searching for another wing-back following the Rams’ 2-0 pre-season victory over Matlock Town, John Percy stated yesterday that there have been talks between Derby and the Robins for 23-year-old Wilson.
This followed news of midfielder Jason Knight going the opposite way for £2m.
The Rams have made several defensive additions already this summer with Joe Ward, Callum Elder, Curtis Nelson and Sonny Bradley all walking through the gates at Moor Farm, but they are seemingly not done yet.
Wilson has been deemed surplus to requirements by City boss Nigel Pearson just one year into his three-year deal with the Robins after making just seven appearances for the club, in which he scored once and assisted once.
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His two-year spell with Forest Green Rovers is where the Birmingham-born defender has enjoyed the most success. He scored three and assisted 13 across the 2021/22 campaign during which the Rovers were promoted to League One as Champions, also picking up the personal accolade of League Two player of the year.
Would Wilson be a good fit?
During his time with Forest Green, former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison labelled him the ‘new Cafu’ in an appearance on Quest’s EFL highlights show following his impressive performances for Rob Edwards’ side.
Wilson is a graduate of the West Bromwich Albion academy and made one appearance for the Baggies before a series of loan moves. He spent time at Exeter City, Walsall and Tranmere Rovers before becoming a free agent and subsequently signing for Forest Green.
Should the right-back join the Rams, he would face stiff competition from new signing Ward who impressed during his unofficial debut versus Matlock, setting up James Collins for the opener with a delicious cross.
Ward rejected a new contract from former club Peterborough United in order to sign for Derby this summer, and Warne also has young defender Jake Rooney at his disposal who is capable of filling in at right-back too.
So, should Wilson be up for the challenge of nailing down a spot in the starting XI, it should provide great depth and competition in an area of the field which the Rams have neglected for far too long.