According to a report by Fotospor, Derby County have been linked with a move for Fenerbahce midfielder Ferdi Kadioglu ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.
He is a Dutch U21 international attacking midfielder. He was dubbed a wonderkid back in Holland, and at 20 still boasts the potential to reach the very top.
Kadioglu would be the sort of signing to help Phillip Cocu win over some doubting fans.
The Dutchman arrived as Derby County manager in the summer. He succeeded the popular Frank Lampard who left the Rams to take charge of his dream job in Chelsea.
Cocu’s arrival was met with initial excitement. The Dutchman is a former Holland international and Barcelona great. His managerial record at PSV Eindhoven was excellent.
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Three league titles in five years. A number of exciting youth players breaking through. Over £100 million made in profit sales. Cocu was by far the outstanding candidate.
Phillip Cocu has raised doubts among some Derby County fans:
But his time at Derby so far hasn’t quite lived up to the hype. The Rams sit in lower midtable in the Championship, and performances have left a lot to be desired.
Cocu was dealt a difficult hand. He arrived in July leaving him to assess a squad just one month before the first game of the season. The recruitment in the summer left Derby short on quality. Moreover, a major off-field incident and injuries have also played a part.
But having said all that, some supporters are still questioning his ability to improve matters. Performances have been poor, especially on the road where Derby have lost five in succession without scoring a goal.
The advantage Derby could have with Cocu is the ability to sign players their rivals couldn’t. Many Rams supporters felt the club would tap into the Dutch Eredivisie market. Bargains could be had, but so far Cocu hasn’t had a transfer window to explore that option.
January represents an opportunity. If Derby opt against buying players from abroad, then some fans may have reasons behind questioning the appointment of the Dutchman over another young British manager such as Lee Bowyer or Garry Monk.
Cocu actively trying to sign a player such as Kadioglu could help reinstall the faith. It could also buy him time against those fans impatient for a return to the Premier League.
Also see: 4 goals in 30: Owls may now think they dodged a bullet on £5m Derby player
Also see: Derby reportedly keen on midfielder who almost joined top CL club last summer