Derby County are reportedly still interested in signing one of their summer targets.
Derby County took great care in adding to their attack in the summer transfer window, bringing in Martyn Waghorn, Conor Washington and Tyreece John-Jules to help them win promotion.
The Rams have so far seen their frontline enjoy a lot more success than last term, with the likes of James Collins, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Waghorn contributing to 47 goals in 25 games so far – that is eleven more than at this stage last season.
Paul Warne clearly isn’t content with the options he already has though. Journalist Darren Witcoop has claimed that the club are still interested in signing Sheffield Wednesday striker Michael Smith.
Taking to X, he wrote: “Michael Smith attracting interest at Sheffield Wednesday. Future of Smith still undecided this month but the Owls want reinforcements before sanctioning his potential exit to League One.”
When a fan asked whether that included Derby County, Witcoop wrote: “Wanted in summer. Retained interest.”
Michael Smith has already proven himself as a prolific goalscorer in League One, netting 18 goals and providing seven assists as Sheffield Wednesday won promotion last year.
The forward also bagged 60 goals in 210 appearances for Rotherham United before his move to Hillsborough.
Could Derby County afford to sign Michael Smith?
Michael Smith would be a solid addition for any League One side given his track record in the third tier, having also won promotion to the Championship on three separate occasions.
However, the 32-year-old ‘game-changer’ is likely to leave Sheffield Wednesday in search of regular first team football.
James Collins is currently Derby County’s number one up top, while they have another three strikers as back-up options in the squad.
Smith would provide great competition for Collins, but The Rams would surely have to move on at least one of their current crop to make way. The club are already working on extending Tyreece John-Jules’ stay, and he certainly wouldn’t opt to remain in the Midlands if he wasn’t going to be guaranteed minutes.
Smith also currently rakes in around £17,500-per-week at Hillsborough, which would likely make him Derby’s highest-paid player.
Last season saw Conor Hourihane earn the largest pay packet at Pride Park, making around £12,000-per-week.
Given that Derby already have Collins on their books, it would be a bit of a surprise if they were willing to cough up the cash to bring in another forward who may not even start every game.