Derby County Opinion: Should Derby make a move for James Wilson?

The Bristol Live (h/t ESPN) has reported that Manchester United starlet James Wilson is ready to move on from the Red Devils. The 23-year-old striker is currently on loan at Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen and will be looking to leave Old Trafford once his loan move ends, claims the report.

For Derby County, this a move that they need to make and while it will take some convincing from manager Frank Lampard, it’s one that is possible. At the moment, the Rams have Jack Marriott, Martyn Waghorn and David Nugent as their centre-forwards, but they haven’t managed to score consistently.

The three strikers have only managed 13 goals between themselves, with Jack Marriott scoring seven. However, that’s only three more than what on-loan Liverpool star Harry Wilson has managed on his own, which shows exactly why the club needs James Wilson.

While injuries have affected the English international, he’s still managed to make an impact whereever he’s gone. Even during a loan spell at Derby County a few years ago, Wilson only managed one goal before rupturing a ligament in his knee.

But despite that, the young forward still made an impact in the five appearances he made and it could prove to be crucial if a move happens. Once considered to be among the brightest prospects at Old Trafford, injuries and a lack of game time saw Wilson make just 15 appearances in the Premier League.

However, the 23-year-old still managed to net four goals in his professional career for Manchester United, including two on his debut as an 18-year-old. Since then, nothing has gone according to plan for Wilson, but now on loan at Aberdeen, things have changed.

The Englishman has produced four goals in 16 appearances for the Scottish side, but more so, he’s managed to stay fit. That combined with the fact that his current deal with Manchester United expires at the end of the season makes him a very affordable option.

Read more Derby County news, click here: Derby County latest news

Wilson has shown promise before in the Championship when he was on loan with Brighton and Derby. However, in the end, it’s up to manager Frank Lampard to make the move. While the club does sit in a promotion play-off spot, things could change.

But with James Wilson’s contract expiring, the club needs to make a move for the 23-year-old.