What a turnaround Derby County have experienced this season. At one point this season, they were very close to the relegation zone and look at them now! Steven McClaren rejoined the Rams and has been much more than just a saviour for them. The Rams are now just two points from the final playoff spot and can be hopeful of breaking into top six by the end of the season.
One thing that has let down Derby this season is the lack of a potent goalscorer up front. Their top scorer in all competitions this season is Tom Ince, who is a winger. All the strikers have underperformed up front for Derby this campaign which is why they are in the market for a goalscorer who can increase their chances of breaking into the playoff spots and stay there until the end of the season.
As per Gazette Live, Derby County are closing in on David Nugent of Premier League side Middlesbrough. Nugent’s representatives have been in talks with the Rams as the out of favour Boro striker looks for a switch in search of regular football.
Nugent is a striker who has won promotion in both of his last two seasons in the Championship. In the 2013-14 season, he was a stellar performer for Leicester City as they went on to win the Championship. Last season, he was at Boro and played an important part in Aitor Karanka’s promotion campaign. However, the experienced Englishman has found first-team football hard to come by at the Riverside Stadium this campaign.
The 31-year-old striker has only managed four Premier League appearances for Boro this season even though all were from the bench and none resulted in goals. He has not kicked a ball for Boro since the middle of September and a move away from the Riverside makes perfect sense for him. However, he remains a quality striker and most importantly, he is proven at the Championship level.
Nugent could easily get playing time at Pride Park ahead of Darren Bent who is well past his peak. Matej Vydra has also failed to impress at the club. Nugent could form a formidable partnership with Tom Ince and Johnny Russell up front for the Rams and could help them get back to the Premier League. For so many years, Derby had to settle for just a place in the playoffs but a capable striker like Nugent could give that extra edge which they badly need. This move seems to be a good deal for all parties.
