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Derby County ‘enquire’ for Championship striker transfer target as Paul Warne eyes reinforcements

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Derby County are facing a last-minute dash to bolster their squad strength before the end of the summer transfer window.

It comes after a tough start to life back in the Championship, with one win and two draws to their name so far.

Plenty of questions have been asked of Paul Warne and whether he will be able to help the Rams to survival this season.

Some of that will likely depend on the summer transfer business, which has seen a few fresh faces move to Pride Park.

The Derby boss isn’t satisfied there though, with plans to bring another couple of players through the door before the deadline on Friday night.

One of those is a striker, with Derby now in the frame for one Championship forward in particular.

Barrow AFC v Derby County - Carabao Cup Second Round
Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images

Derby County eye Will Keane deal

One of the strikers on the list in the final days of the market is Preston North End forward Will Keane.

The 31-year-old is an experienced bagsman, having made his way through the Manchester United youth ranks before several different spells in the second tier.

Keane has been at Deepdale since last summer, following a switch from Wigan, where he has scored 16 goals in 65 appearances.

According to journalist Darren Witcoop, Derby are one of several clubs to have made an enquiry for the striker.

The Rams are joined by Cardiff and West Brom in the chase, though it remains to be seen if a deal will be completed.

Keane has just one year remaining on his contract at Preston, where he has made three appearances for the club across all competitions.

The centre-forward scored the winner for the side in their recent 1-0 victory over Luton Town.

Preston North End FC v Luton Town FC - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by Rich Linley – CameraSport via Getty Images

Derby County striker profile

It’s clear that in the final few days of the market, Warne is looking for a particular striker profile for the squad.

A taller option who can bring others into play while holding up the ball is on the agenda, following links between Derby and Cauley Woodrow of Luton Town.

While goal scoring is one element the new recruit must have, their all-round play will be important in matches where the Rams aren’t quite as dominant.

It remains to be seen whether the club will be able to get that sort of deal over the line in the hours that remain.