Derby County host Cardiff City at Pride Park on Wednesday and one player who may have extra motivation to perform for the Bluebirds is striker Kieffer Moore.
The 6ft 5inch centre-forward was heavily pursued during the summer transfer window.
Wigan Athletic’s relegation and financial situation saw Derby take advantage by signing Nathan Byrne and David Marshall, and they were reportedly in the running for another.
According to Wales Online, the Rams, Millwall, Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City were among a clutch of Championship clubs vying for Moore’s signature.
Ultimately, it was Cardiff who won the race to sign the Wales international.
MORE DERBY STORIES
Moore has since started six of Cardiff’s seven Championship games to date, posting one assist and two goals – both coming in the 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest.
Derby, meanwhile, have desperately lacked a player in the mould of Moore. The 28-year-old is excellent in the air, strong on the ball while bringing others into play.
The Rams saw Chris Martin leave on a free transfer during the summer. A failure to sign a like-for-like replacement left a big void upfront.
Wayne Rooney was tasked with the centre-forward role before Martyn Waghorn’s return from injury, but nether have the ideal attributes to feature as a target man.
Derby could regret missing out on Moore, while Curtis Davies and Matt Clarke are sure to have their work cut out should they face the physically imposing forward on Wednesday.
Also see: ‘Silly money’: Coach warns Leeds over interest in ‘special and unique’ Derby ace
Also see: ‘Leader, genuine quality’: Championship rival raves about player Derby let go in the summer