Derby County could be about to come up against one of their former players in the race for promotion.
Derby County are one of many clubs searching for a new striker in the final days of the January window.
The Rams already look to have missed out on Sheffield Wednesday’s Michael Smith, and have reportedly turned their attention to his teammate Lee Gregory.
Paul Warne knows he needs to bolster his attack, especially with the teams around them in the promotion push also doing the same.
One club that are also looking to bring in a new attacker is Oxford United, and they are looking to bring in a familiar face.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Oxford are eager to snap up former Derby County star Jack Marriott.
Speaking to his Patreon, Nixon said: “Oxford United are pushing to the front of the queue for Fleetwood’s out of favour forward Jack Marriott.
“The experienced striker wants to move and is also keen to head south. His wages are big but Oxford are prepared to sort out the details.”
Jack Marriott’s time at Pride Park
Jack Marriott joined Derby County in 2018 and scored seven goals and provided nine assists during his time at Pride Park.
The 29-year-old netted ten goals in his first campaign, including a memorable brace in the play-off clash with Leeds United to send The Rams through to the play-off final.
Marriott has since played for Sheffield Wednesday, Peterborough United and now Fleetwood Town.
The forward has 13 goals in League One over the past two seasons, but has only started three of the last eight games in the third tier.
Marriott could now be given a chance to win promotion to the Championship with Oxford, who currently sit in sixth place – six points behind Derby.
The two sides have already played both sets of fixtures this season, though it would be interesting to see Marriott line up against his former team if they matched up in the play-offs.