A Derby County summer transfer targets is ‘in demand’ this month, and the Rams could well be eyeing a deal for him.
Derby County enjoyed another busy summer transfer window, signing 12 new players and asserting themselves as early title contenders.
Then after an inconsistent first period, Paul Warne‘s side have now lost just one of their last 11 League One fixtures to climb up into promotion contention.
The Rams currently sit in 4th place of the table and just two points outside the top two places, with new signings looking likely this month.
And one player who Derby may yet return for this month is Freddie Ladapo.
Ipswich Town man Freddie Ladapo attracting League One interest
The 30-year-old has featured 17 times in the Championship for high-flyers Ipswich Town this season, scoring twice.
He netted 17 in League One last time round as Ipswich earned automatic promotion and soon after, ambitious links to Derby County emerged.
Warne worked with Ladapo at Rotherham United, and is a huge fan of the striker, previously describing him as a real ‘goal threat’.
Now, journalist Darren Witcoop is saying that Ladapo will be ‘in demand’ this month with a number of League One clubs keen on the Englishman; Derby County aren’t mentioned, though given the Warne link and Derby’s summer interest in the Ipswich man, it may be safe to assume that the Rams have retained their interest.
Ladapo would still be a coup for Derby County
Derby County have relied quite heavily on the goals and performances of James Collins this season.
Conor Washington and Martyn Waghorn have spent a lot of time on the sidelines, and they remain there, so a new striker certainly seems like a priority for the Rams this month.
Warne has revealed that the club are closing in on an extended loan deal for Tyreece John-Jules and so that’s a boost, though bringing in more direct competition and cover for Collins seems vital.
Warne needs a no.9 and Ladapo is just that; he’s proven in League One, he’s known to Warne, and it looks like he could quickly fall further down the pecking order at Portman Road. So for all involved, a reunion in this month’s transfer window looks like it could be beneficial for all.
Like Witcoop says though, Ipswich are in no rush and so Derby could be forced to wait on a potential deal for Ladapo, should they have retained their interest.
Derby County are back in action on Monday night with a home game vs Burton Albion in League One, with Bolton Wanderers, Portsmouth, and Peterborough United all in action today.