With hours remaining of the transfer window, Derby County are reportedly looking at adding a striker to their squad on loan for the remainder of the season.
The Rams are rumoured to have approached West Bromwich Albion regarding the availability of 28 year old striker, Karlan Grant. The striker spent last season on loan at Cardiff City and despite reports in the summer linking him with a move away, he has impressed during the first half of the season with the Baggies.
Why would Derby County need Karlan Grant?
Derby currently find themselves 22nd in the Championship and fighting to avoid a return to League One having achieved promotion last season. The Rams are currently on a run of one win in their last ten and have tough fixtures to come with Norwich City, Oxford United and Queens Park Rangers in their next three.
The issue of scoring goals and creating chances will most likely be the main reason why Paul Warne is reportedly looking at Grant as a possible addition to his squad. His side currently rank 18th for goals per match (1.1 goals) and 21st for expected goals (xG) with 30.9.
Within Derby’s squad, their top scorer is Jerry Yates with six with fellow striker Kayden Jackson the club’s third top scorer with three goals this season. This lack of goalscoring forwards is the main reason why Derby could be looking to bring in a player like Karlan Grant.
What could Karlan Grant bring to Derby County?
In the last seven seasons, Grant has been playing the majority of his minutes at Championship level with two seasons in the Premier League. During the last three and a half seasons in the second tier, the 28 year old has scored 33 goals in 143 appearances.
As seen during his appearances for West Brom so far this season, Grant could provide Derby with a consistent goal threat. He has had an average of 2.67 shots per 90 minutes with an average shot accuracy of 73%.
Coupled with this is the ability that Grant has to finish difficult chances. His six goals so far this season have come from an xG of 4.9 with a few of his goals coming from long-range strikes which could be a crucial attribute for Derby in tight matches.
Another trait of Grant’s that could benefit the Rams is his versatility. Although he is predominantly a striker who likes to play in the number nine role, he has the ability to play out on the left of the front three and in-behind the main striker which he has for West Brom this season.
How likely is Karlan Grant’s move to Derby County?
With limited time left in the January transfer window, Derby have left it late to get this deal over the line. The issue for the Rams is whether or not West Brom can afford to let the 28 year old leave.
The Baggies squad is fairly limited currently when looking at strikers. Top scorer Josh Maja is out injured for a lengthy period with a calf injury and their other options in Daryl Dike and Devante Cole are either injury prone or not experienced at Championship level.
With this in mind, Grant’s move away from The Hawthorns is only likely to occur should Tony Mowbray’s side have a replacement lined up. With reports suggesting that West Brom are looking at Danish striker Tammer Bany Odeh, Grant’s transfer to Pride Park is a deal that could be completed before the deadline.