According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Plymouth Argyle have slapped a £5 million price-tag on Derby County target Luke Jephcott as they envisage summer bids.
Jephcott has been in outstanding form for Plymouth this season.
The 21-year-old striker has netted 18 goals in all competitions, prompting his manager Ryan Lowe to dub the youngster one of the hottest properties in England.
According to The Sun, Derby, Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City are keen.
But the latest reports from the Lancashire Telegraph say Plymouth are seeking £5 million for him – a fee which could put off several financially limited Championship clubs.
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Derby will need to strengthen their attacking options in the summer.
Colin Kazim-Richards currently leads the line and tops the club’s scoring charts with seven goals. However, at 35, he doesn’t represent a long-term option.
Lee Gregory will return to Stoke City at the end of his loan spell, while Martyn Waghorn’s future at Pride Park is in doubt as his contract with the Rams expires in the summer.
Derby have players like Jack Stretton and Tyree Wilson coming through from the academy, but neither will be expected to feature on a regular basis next season.
Wayne Rooney must bring in a new striker or two in the summer, but Jephcott’s reported price-tag may be a big stumbling block in any attempt to sign the Plymouth man.
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