Paul Warne has admitted that he has seen a lot of one of Derby County’s transfer targets.
Derby County have been on the hunt for new attackers during the January window, and one name they have been linked with is Macaulay Langstaff.
Recent reports had claimed that The Rams were joined by Sunderland in pursuit of the forward.
Langstaff netted 28 goals in 39 games in the National League for Gateshead, before earning himself a move to Notts County.
The 26-year-old bagged an exceptional 42 goals in 47 games to help them win promotion to League Two, and has now continued his form with another 20 goals in 27 matches.
Langstaff’s contract length and impressive goal tally means he is likely to fetch a giant seven-figure sum, while Coventry City are said to have bid £2m for his services.
While Langstaff is likely to be too expensive for Derby, Paul Warne has admitted that he knows plenty about him due to his relationship with David McGoldrick.
The 36-year-old was released by Derby in the summer and went onto join Notts County, where he plays alongside Langstaff and has bag to score eleven goals for himself in the fourth tier.
Warne has claimed to have watched a number of Notts County games and has seen plenty of Langstaff as a result.
Speaking to Derbyshire Live, the Rams boss said: “”I know he’s a good player because every time I text Didzy, he tells me.
“I always watch Notts County because I want to see him do his muscle man celebration. In fairness, I have seen more of Langstaff as a result.”
Would pursuing Macaulay Langstaff be a crazy idea?
Yes it would.
It’s a huge shame that Derby County are unlikely to land Macaulay Langstaff given his unbelievable ability in front of goal.
However, the striker’s continued links to the Championship show just how good he is, just how expensive he would be and just how much of a miracle Paul Warne would need to bring him to Pride Park.
Derby County look instead set to land Sheffield Wednesday’s Michael Smith, who will also add an attacking threat to an already very strong frontline. The 32-year-old has 75 goals and 29 assists in League One, as well as three promotions to the Championship.