According to Football League World, Sheffield Wednesday are favourites to sign Stoke City striker Lee Gregory who spent the second half of last season with Derby County.
The 32-year-old striker has one year remaining on his Stoke deal.
Gregory, however, has long been out of favour at the Bet365 Stadium and joined Derby on loan on deadline day during the January transfer window.
The former Millwall man had a positive impact at Pride Park. He made 11 appearances for Wayne Rooney’s side, helping Derby pick up 15 points during that time.
Rooney told RamsTV how he was delighted with Gregory’s impact, acknowledging the player’s positive influence on his teammates and the energy and character he brings to the side.
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Lee Gregory’s positive impact at Derby:
Gregory’s season, however, was cut short in early April.
Derby ran out 2-0 winners over Luton that day with Gregory opening the scoring, but a hamstring injury to the Stoke striker dampened the mood and prompted a collapse.
The Rams failed to win another game, picking up just one point in the process.
Ironically, the chaotic final day draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Pride Park preserved Derby’s Championship status and subsequently sent the Owls down to League One.
The Owls will be looking out for a Jordan Rhodes replacement.
Derby, meanwhile, must address their own striker issues this summer. Martyn Waghorn is out of contract while Colin Kazim-Richards turns 35 in August.
It seemed like Derby would bring Gregory back to Pride Park after his successful loan. However, the EFL charges could impact their ability to spent transfer fees this summer.
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