After winning 1-0 away from Cambridge United over the weekend, Derby County is almost ready to make their Championship comeback after a two-year hiatus.
Now, Paul Warne’s team just needs a point from their match against Carlisle United on the last day to guarantee automatic promotion.
The Rams anticipate having a number of players leave when their contracts expire, therefore behind the scenes, plans to make transfers will be developed in preparation for the reopening of the summer window.
One player who could be off the roster come June 30th is James Collins, who has scored 13 goals so far this season.
Having said that, Derby ought to sign a “excellent” goal machine to take Collins’ place.
Derby County should sign Devante Cole
Devante Cole, a forward for Barnsley, has scored 18 goals in 45 games this season, helping the promotion prospects.
In the second division this season, only Alfie May of Charlton Athletic and Colby Bishop of Portsmouth have scored more goals.
The summer contract for Cole, the son of Manchester United icon Andy, is over, and he might become available on a free transfer.
Barnsley’s hopes of returning to the Championship may hinge on whether they advance through the play-offs, which could affect his future at Oakwell.
After seeing success at a higher level earlier in his career, the 28-year-old has developed into a much more polished striker during his second stint at Barnsley. He will be eager to show himself at a higher level.
Nathaniel Mendez might make the ideal partner in Devante Cole.-Laing
This season, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has occasionally played as a center forward, forming a front two with Collins.
Naturally more imaginative, Mendez-Laing may get along well with Cole, who is an eager runner in behind the final line of defense.
Given that their profiles seem to fit well together on paper, Warne ought to give serious thought to making a bid for the Barnsley player, who is anticipated to become a free agent and would therefore be a low-risk addition.
It would be a tantalizing idea to pair the third-best scorer in League One with the top assister.
Although the jump to the Championship is undoubtedly significant, both of them have prior experience there.
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