Paul Warne has provided an update on Derby County’s transfer plans ahead of deadline day.
With the clocking ticking down toward deadline day, Derby County have been working to bolster their attacking ranks.
Paul Warne signed two centre-forwards ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season but is eager to get another number nine through the door.
Derby like Bolton Wanderers striker Victor Adeboyejo, who is expected to move clubs in the final couple of days of the window.
The Nigerian scored 10 times in League One last season and has opened his account for 2024/25 already.
On top of Adeboyejo, Derby have enquired about Preston North End striker Will Keane but are in a battle with the likes of Wrexham and Cardiff City to get a deal done.
However, while another striker is a priority for Derby, another position may now be targeted this week.
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Paul Warne wants Derby County to strengthen another position after striker
Derby have had a couple of injury issues in their squad already this season, with two players forced off in the first half of the win over Middlesbrough.
Eiran Cashin and Ben Osborn could miss out vs Bristol City this Saturday, with the former of the duo picking up an issue versus Boro.
Now, speaking ahead of his side’s meeting this weekend, Warne has confirmed that Derby want to sign another defender as well as a striker to ensure they have cover if another injury to the likes of Cashin happens, as per Derbyshire Live.
He said: “I want something along the top line. If I can’t get a nine that’s better than the nines that we’ve got, then I’m not going to get one.
“We want another defender because while Eiran Cashin’s injury was innocuous, if something would have happened to Sonny Bradley against Barrow, we could go between September and January with with one centre-back.
“But in the Championship, you can’t just have a left-back or a right winger playing centre-back for six games because there is a very good chance you’re going to get tucked up. We are trying to strengthen in those positions and we’re trying to get the right people for the club.”
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What defender could Derby County sign this week
For the most part, Derby have only been linked with new forward options in the last week of the transfer window.
However, Derby are keeping tabs on Ben Nelson of Leicester City, along with a number of other Championship clubs.
Nelson lacks much senior experience, making just five appearances in the Championship for Leicester last season.
But he is an England U20 international and is a regular fixture for the Foxes’ U20 side.
And with so little time left in the 2024 summer transfer window, Derby cannot really be too picky in what players are now brought in.