Paul Warne can begin to focus on other targets after Derby County received a boost in their pursuit of Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.
Derby County have been targeting a new goalkeeper this summer after previous first-choice Joe Wildsmith was released at the end of last season.
Derby County agreed to sign Jacob Widell Zetterstrom from Djurgardens, however, the Swedish keeper won’t be able to move to Pride Park until the Swedish side finds a replacement due to their current involvement in the Europa Conference League qualifiers.
Djurgardens have signed Jacob Rinne, meaning Zetterstrom is free to join Derby. It also means that Paul Warne can focus on strengthening other positions.
Paul Warne is ‘in discussions’ over a new goalscorer
Now that Warne has found his Joe Wildsmith replacement, the Derby boss has multiple positions he is still keen to strengthen.
Despite adding two forwards already, the Derby boss is looking to add another striker to his squad, with Warne having concerns over Derby County’s scoring record.
Amid the concerns, the manager revealed that he is discussing a new striker coming to Pride Park.
However, he said it’s unlikely to happen before Derby’s opening game against Blackpool on August 9th.
Derby County’s left-back dilemma
The Rams also have an issue at left-back after the departure of Louie Sibley to Oxford United. It leaves 35-year-old Craig Forsyth as Warne’s first choice.
Former Hull City man Callum Elder is also in contention, however, his form has disappointed since moving to Pride Park last summer.
Adding a natural left-back would solve Warne’s issues at the position especially as Forsyth and Elder have injury history.
Paul Warne makes worrying centre-back admission
Star defenders Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson had fantastic seasons last year, but centre-back depth is lacking despite former Luton Town captain Sonny Bradley being in the squad.
Following the Rams’ final pre-season game against Real Valladolid, Warne admitted his struggles to find a new centre-half.
The Derby boss said he had not found an affordable and better option than the Rams’ current centre-back options.
Speaking to BBC Radio Derby, he said: “I want someone to come in and smoke the three I’ve got in the nicest possible sense. Competition is what you want.”
Who the Rams look to sign next remains to be seen – but best believe the transfer business hasn’t stopped just yet at Pride Park.