Derby County has provided a concerning update on the club’s transfer plans before deadline day.
Derby County have made only one signing in January so far, bringing in Corey Blackett-Taylor on loan from Charlton Athletic.
The winger had bagged eight goals and six assists in League One this season and is likely to be an exciting addition to The Rams’ attack.
However, Paul Warne has made it very clear that the club are desperate to bring in a new striker to take the pressure off James Collins.
The 33-year-old has netted an impressive 18 goals in all competitions, but has had to be an ever-present figure in the starting line-up due to the lack of back-up options.
Martyn Waghorn, Tyreece John-Jules and Conor Washington are all currently sidelined with injuries, leaving Derby to rely on Collins for goals.
The Rams had been desperate to bring in Michael Smith from Sheffield Wednesday this month, however The Owls’ demands have made the pursuit a lot harder and he is yet to leave Hillsborough.
Paul Warne has now provided an update on their pursuit of striker and has admitted he is ‘unconfident’ about landing a new forward before the deadline.
Speaking on the Rams Daily podcast, Warne said: “Still very unconfident. We can only keep knocking on the door, I think a lot will change this week.
“I think it’s evident that you can’t play James, bless him, 90 minutes every single game, and even more so if there’s only one up top. So I do want another striker and potentially if I lose one – and I could lose one – then one or two.”
When asked whether the club had received any offers, the manager said: “Someone on the periphery who doesn’t feel like they’re getting the game time might want to go and play somewhere else and if I can facilitate that that will allow me to bring someone in who can come into the team then I’ll try and help that.
“A lot has to go right and no Tuesday game which is an absolute joy of joys. So I will have to charge my phone up and sit on the top of the hill with really good signal.”
What happens if Derby County don’t sign a striker?
James Collins has been excellent this term, but Derby County’s struggles in front of goal in recent matches have shown how important it is for them to add more depth to their attack.
The Rams have managed only five shots on target and two goals in their last three matches in League One – a huge concern if Derby are to continue their battle at the top of the table.
If Collins gets injured then they are in huge trouble, while there will also be some games where the team would benefit from having someone play alongside him to add more of an attacking threat.
Derby will surely be very busy in the final days of the window, but there is no guarantee that they will be able to land one of their targets.