Some Derby County fans are divided in their opinion and have responded on Twitter to talk of the club pushing for Sheffield United favourite Billy Sharp this month.
The Blades striker has barely featured since the club won promotion last May.
Sharp has made just one Premier League start this season. He has come off the bench 11 times, including a six-minute cameo against West Ham United last Friday.
(Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images).
Alan Nixon for The Sun claimed on Twitter that Derby are making a serious attempt to sign him on loan. Rams fans in response appear divided over the update.
Would be a great addition imo
— Rob Heath (@RobHeath85) January 12, 2020
Not a bad idea – we can’t rely on Marriott for fitness .
— sp castle (@fearsatanremix) January 12, 2020
Need power and pace in the team not slow and old unfortunately
— Lee finlayson (@Cresswellrams) January 12, 2020
This is typical of Derby’s recruitment department. They are incapable of picking out up and coming players. Only able to pick out players in the last few years of there career and on the decline.
— Dan Green (@Lostchamp1) January 12, 2020
He’s just the type of player we need, bet he wouldn’t miss three one on ones in one game…
— Barnaby and Chris (@AmbroseBarnaby) January 12, 2020
Cos Jack Marriot, Chris Martin and Wayne Rooney haven’t got any goals in them……
— edflyy (@edflyy) January 12, 2020
Low risk, no brainer for me if wages are sensible.
— KieranDayaRAM (@kierandcfc) January 12, 2020
Billy Sharp is a renowned goal scorer at Championship level.
The 33-year-old netted over 20 goals last season as the Blades finished second in the Championship ahead of Yorkshire rivals Leeds United who ended up in third.
Bringing Sharp in, however, would seemingly go against Derby’s new transfer policy.
Phillip Cocu’s arrival as manager last summer was to coincide with the club’s plan to invest in youth. Krystian Bielik came in for a heavy fee from Arsenal, while academy talents Max Lowe, Jason Knight and Max Bird are all now regularly in the first team eleven.
Sharp doesn’t represent a long-term option. Moreover, his inclusion could block fellow youngsters Morgan Whittaker and Jahmal Hector-Ingram’s path to the first team.
(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images).
That said, if Derby harbour hopes of a late push for the playoffs, they need to strengthen. The Rams are currently down in 17th position, eight points shy of the top six.
Sharp could provide competition for Jack Marriott who often struggles with fitness.
Also see: Player cast aside by Derby labelled ‘top player’ by Championship rival boss
Also see: Manager responds to talk suggesting Derby or Forest could sign his player