Sky Bet Championship is spicing up brilliantly for yet another dramatic and scintillating second half of the season. The ongoing transfer window is a kind of fuelling station that helps various sides to chalk out transfers that will hand them maximum value for the rest of the games as well as for the coming seasons.
Derby County are one of the frontrunners for the play-off spots this season, being very much in the scheme of things with just five points separating them from sixth-placed side, Sheffield Wednesday.
However, the Rams have lost two games on the trot when they locked horns against Norwich City and Leeds United. Steve McLaren will be a worried man now, though the January transfer window is wide open to add freshness.
Reports reveal that his side are battling fellow Championship side, Birmingham City, in order to lure Middlesbrough’s Emilio Nsue to their respective side. Both the teams are assessing their targets and after having found one, a tug-of-war thus can be anticipated for this experienced man.
Nsue was one of the crucial members last season in the Smoggies’ promotion to the top tier of English football. He is a complete utility player who came handy to Boro but has found opportunities hard to come by under Aitor Karanka so far this season, having bagged merely five starts this campaign. In a diabolical situation like this one, the two aforesaid Championship clubs are keeping a close eye on the development.
The 27-year-old is a versatile player who can ply his trade anywhere on the right flank; is very adaptable and most importantly, has the pace to outrun his opponents. He adds flamboyance and bolsters the strength of the squad, has a resilient physical presence and is undoubtedly a fan-favourite at the Riverside Stadium due to the contributions he has made at the club.
More than anything else, he possesses the experience of lending a helping hand in the promotional fistfight which will come handy to Derby County. However, with the availability of Antonio Barragan, Fabio da Silva and Calum Wilson, he has fallen behind in the pecking order. The last appearance of the Equatorial Guinea international was in Middlesbrough’s defeat at the hands of Everton. His contract expires in the summer and thus, if Derby County happen to be the proactive team, with the first notable move with the right price on the table, they can probably lure him to their ranks.
