Derby County desperately need reinforcements at striker heading into the Championship and Paul Warne should plot a move for one ‘infectious’ talent.
Derby County have let go of six players on a free transfer this month as supporters wait patiently for incomings to arrive through the door.
The wait for a new signing could be over very soon, though, as the Rams are reportedly close to signing their first couple of players.
Paul Warne has outlined his ambition previously to capture at least nine players and one of their key focuses should be adding a clinical striker to their ranks.
Derby finished as the joint-lowest scorer in the top six last term and currently have just Conor Washington and James Collins as two natural centre-forwards on their books.
Warne knows his side must enter the second tier with much more firepower and one player, in particular, could fix that problem.
Derby County should plot a move for MK Dons striker Max Dean
To stay in the Championship, a strong defence must be complemented with an ability to slice through the opposition at the other end.
Derby had the meanest defence in League One last term, conceding just 37 times, while their attack wasn’t the most clinical and needs improving.
In this position, Warne needs to target a seasoned Championship player, who has perhaps reached double figures for goals in the past and a youngster with massive potential.
Warne could tick the latter box by plotting a move for goal machine Max Dean.
A product of the Leeds United youth academy, Dean was captured by MK Dons in the summer of 2023 and has proven to be an astute signing.
The 20-year-old plundered an impressive 19 goals and supplied five assists in all competitions last term as the clinical striker tore apart League Two.
Dean’s current manager, Mike Williamson, described his impact on the rest of the side as “infectious” as he fired them into the play-offs.
Max Dean would be a long-term heir to James Collins
Warne is looking to shift the makeup of his squad this summer by adding more athleticism and younger players to the group.
Collins sadly doesn’t fall into that category as the 33-year-old has gone past his best years and will eventually need replacing.
The Irishman did score 14 goals in League One last term however, there are question marks over his prolificacy in the Championship, with the veteran scoring just three goals in 26 appearances during a spell at Cardiff City.
The striker also sees his contract expire this summer, and although fresh terms have been offered, a long-term replacement is needed, especially if he chooses to depart.
Dean is a young, energetic and pacey striker with a bright future and would relish rivalling Collins for a place in the starting XI.
The post Paul Warne could sign ‘infectious’ 24 G/A talent to rival James Collins at Derby County - opinion appeared first on Derby County News.