Hearts striker Uche Ikpeazu has liked George Evans’ Instagram message with the Derby County midfielder taking to social media to celebrate the win over Middlesbrough.
The Rams defeated Boro 2-0 at Pride Park with Tom Lawrence scoring twice.
Evans started the game on the substitutes bench following his recovery from injury. However, he replaced Krystian Bielik a few minutes before the hour mark.
Bielik was on the end of a dangerous George Saville tackle which prompted a red card. Phillip Cocu took no chances, later replacing the Pole with Evans.
Evans slotted into the holding midfield role and performed well. He took to Instagram after the game to celebrate the win, prompting a response from Ikpeazu.
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According to West London Sport, Derby are keen on signing Ikpeazu from Hearts.
The report last month claimed the Rams, Queens Park Rangers, Bristol City and Wigan Athletic lead a list of Championship clubs eyeing his signature in January.
Does Ikpeazu liking Evans’ message mean he could be heading to Derby?
It’s likely a mere coincidence. Evans and Ikpeazu are two former Reading players. However, they were instead former teammates at League Two side Crewe Alexandra.
Evans spent the 2013-14 campaign at Crewe on loan from Manchester City. Ikpeazu, meanwhile, spent the second half of that season on loan at Crewe from Watford.
Ikpeazu, a 6ft 3inch striker, has strength and pace in abundance. He scored eight goals in 26 games at Hearts last season, while this term he has just two in nine.
In Chris Martin, Martyn Waghorn and Jack Marriott, Derby have quality strikers at Championship level. The Rams would arguably be better off strengthening elsewhere.
Also see: ‘Immense; Unreal game’: Some Derby fans rave about 23-year-old’s performance
Also see: Phillip Cocu provides update on Derby’s Krystian Bielik; explains substitution