According to a report by West London News, Derby County are among a list of Championship clubs tracking Hearts striker Uche Ikpeazu.
The Rams are reportedly in competition with Queens Park Rangers, Bristol City and Wigan Athletic with the quartet having sent scouts north of the border this year.
But who is Uche Ikpeazu? Here we have five facts on the Hearts man:
Career beginnings:
The 6ft 3inch striker started out his career at Reading before moving to Watford.
He was dubbed a potential long-term Troy Deeney replacement at Watford, yet Ikpeazu struggled to make an impression at Vicarage Road.
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Loans, loans and more loans:
Between 2014 and 2016, Ikpeazu was one of the most loaned-out players in football.
He had three separate spells at Crewe Alexandra, a seven-game stretch at Doncaster Rovers and moves to Port Vale and Blackpool. All in League One.
A cult hero at Cambridge United:
Ikpeazu joined Cambridge United in 2016.
He became a cult hero at League Two side. He scored 19 goals there over two seasons, including a fine goal in a 2-1 FA Cup defeat against Championship club Leeds United.
Strength and pace:
Ikpeazu moved to Hearts in 2018, and it was up in Scotland where he started to earn plenty of plaudits for his impressive strength and raw pace.
He claims in an interview with the Scotsman that he has never lost a physical battle. FIFA 20, meanwhile, have listed him as the world’s fifth strongest footballer.
Ikpeazu is, however, quick to highlight his brute strength isn’t his only forte. The 24-year-old helped Hearts reach the Scottish Cup final last season, losing 2-1 to Celtic.
Back to the Championship?
Ikpeazu’s spell at Watford coincided when they were in the Championship.
Derby, Bristol City, Wigan and QPR are all currently in England’s second tier. Ikpeazu could be heading back there, but he will have to improve his current goal tally.
The striker has made an indifferent start this term, scoring just two goals in 11 games.
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