Derby County are still in search of an extra striker this summer and they are now part of the pack who are chasing Birmingham City’s Sam Cosgrove.
According to Alan Nixon, the Rams are joined by Charlton Athletic, Oxford United, Barnsley and Blackpool in the race for the striker’s signature. It is the Seasiders, however, who are said to be leading the chase at present.
The quintet of League One sides have been in a range of discussions with Birmingham over a possible deal for Cosgrove, varying from a loan move to a permanent switch.
Whilst on loan at Plymouth Argyle last season, the 26-year-old scored 12 goals and registered two assists in 40 appearances as he helped Steven Schumacher’s side become third tier champions.
His form for Argyle earned praise from Blues boss, and ex-Derby midfielder, John Eustace who stated that Cosgrove was ‘great’ during the previous campaign.
It does not look likely that his future lies at St. Andrews, though, with Tyler Roberts, Scott Hogan and Lukas Jutkiewicz all ahead of him in the pecking order at the West Midlands outfit.
Derby have already pipped Blackpool to the signing of Martyn Waghorn this summer, with the 33-year-old returning to Pride Park for a second spell, and they will be hoping they are able to do the same with Cosgrove despite the Seasiders currently occupying pole position.
Is Cosgrove the man?
Waghorn is joined by James Collins and Conor Washington in the Rams’ forward department at present, the latter two both getting on the scoresheet yesterday afternoon as Paul Warne’s men ran out 3-0 winners away at Burton Albion. The Derby gaffer is still in need of an extra striker, however, so Cosgrove could be a very sensible option.
The former Aberdeen man is proven at League One level and still has time to develop his game, he would be the youngest senior striker at the club by some stretch if he was to sign.
Time is now ticking for Warne to bring in another new forward, so it will be interesting to keep an eye on whether or not the Rams can pull ahead in the race for Cosgrove’s signature.
