According to Football Insider, Derby County are considering a move for Crystal Palace striker Connor Wickham who spent last term on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.
The 27-year-old striker is out of contract with Palace next summer.
Wickham has struggled to break into Palace’s first-team under Roy Hodgson, and he spent the second half of last season on loan at Derby’s Championship rivals Wednesday.
The former Ipswich Town man made 13 appearances for the Owls, scoring twice.
But despite his lack of goals, Wednesday boss Garry Monk was delighted with his overall contribution and told the Examiner in July how he was performing brilliantly for the team.
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We’re seeing a good glimpse of what Connor is capable of. He hadn’t played a lot of football in that period when I brought him in and I knew it was going to take a bit of time to get him up to match fitness and sharpness. We are trying to work in a way that we can keep the players as fresh as we can but he is contributing brilliantly. Performing brilliant. I am very pleased with him and we are seeing what he is capable of at this moment.
Wickham, who Palace signed from Ipswich Town, earns £60,000 per week at Palace. His ability is evident, but injuries have stumped his progress in recent years.
Derby, meanwhile, are desperate for a target man figure to lead the line.
The Rams saw Chris Martin depart at the end of his contract, while Martyn Waghorn has yet to feature this season after picking up an injury during the summer.
Derby lost their opening three Championship games, scoring just once. Jack Marriott had led the line, but the 5ft 7inch striker just doesn’t fit the role.
Wickham could be an ideal addition for manager Phillip Cocu’s style of play.
Football Insider add how Palace may be tempted to sell him now rather than risk losing him for free next year, but Derby will likely prefer a loan to cover until January.
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