Derby County are closing in on the signing of free agent Dwight Gayle after finding out the extent of the injury to James Collins.
Derby County secured a last-gasp victory over Stevenage this afternoon as Louie Sibley’s stoppage-time winner kept the pressure on league leaders Portsmouth.
The Rams struggled to break down their play-off chasing opponents and couldn’t get any rhythm in the contest.
This was underscored by the fact it took them till the 65th minute to register their first shot on goal in what was an uninspiring game of football.
And while Sibley popped up with a vital winner late on, Paul Warne was desperately missing one man and that was top scorer James Collins.
Collins has been Derby’s talisman this term with 18 goals in the league, but he wasn’t named into today’s squad through injury and it has now been revealed he has damaged ligaments in his knee.
This will keep the 33-year-old out for the next eight weeks at least and while that is a crushing blow to Derby’s hopes of achieving automatic promotion, the blow could be softened by signing Dwight Gayle on a free transfer.
Derby County in advanced talks to sign Dwight Gayle
After hearing the extent of Collins’ injury, whose presence was sorely missed at the top end of the pitch against Stevenage, Derby had to act fast in the transfer window.
Gayle was a name who was on their radar previously, especially after failing to land Michael Smith or Lee Gregory in the transfer window, and now the club are in advanced talks to bring the former Newcastle United striker to Pride Park.
As reported by Derby journalist Dominic Dietrich, Warne wants to bring the experienced forward in on a free transfer, although the deal is subject to EFL approval.
Gayle, who has scored 106 career goals, would be an astute signing for the Rams as they attempt to fill the huge void that Collins will leave behind.
The 34-year-old would arrive with so much pedigree having previously fired Newcastle to promotion and enjoyed a fruitful spell at Crystal Palace.
Although Gayle has never been a prolific No. 9 throughout his career, he is someone who would thrive in the third tier.
He still possesses that knack of scoring goals and while he’s approaching the twilight years of his career, that is something you never lose as a striker.
On a free transfer and short-term contract, there aren’t many better forwards out there to bring in than Gayle, who could certainly fill the scoring shoes of Collins.