Here we go!
Wayne Rooney’s first managerial transfer deadline day is here and it’s set to be chaotic as ever with several players linked with moves to and away from Derby County.
The Rams boss has been clear about his plans to bolster the attack since the start of the transfer window and it appears as though that elusive striker is finally about to sign on the dotted line.
Providing competition for Colin Kazim-Richards and Martyn Waghorn, Stoke City’s Lee Gregory is set to offer Rooney a different option going forward as we enter the second half of the season.
Derby beat off competition from Huddersfield Town according to Mail Online, who also state the 32-year-old is ‘keen to join’ the Rams.
Gregory’s game time has been limited thus far under Michael O’Neill with the forward making just nine appearances for the Staffordshire side in all competitions this season, scoring once.
It’s worth noting that the Englishman – who played alongside Jamie Vardy in FC Halifax’s attack once upon a time – has also faced time on the sidelines this term, suffering a groin injury in November which saw him out of action for two months.
Gregory offers something of an aerial threat, standing at 6ft 2in tall and has made 50 appearances in total for the Potters since signing in the summer of 2019, scoring seven times and registering three assists.
The former Millwall man would benefit from a move away, so with Derby seemingly desperate to add to their attack, it’s no surprise to see this move on the cards.
It may be a slight gamble given the lack of minutes played by Gregory in recent months, but the forward is a proven goalscorer at Championship level and could certainly provide to be a great bit of business for Derby in their battle to pull away from the bottom three.
Gregory’s experience could well be a big factor for the Rams during the remainder of the campaign. This move looks as though it can be beneficial for both parties.