League Two promotion chasers Milton Keynes Dons are exploring the possibility of bringing in a second player from Derby County on the day they completed the permanent signing of Curtis Nelson.
Having successfully negotiated with the Rams for the purchase of the 33-year-old, the Dons have reportedly reopened talks regarding the availability of striker Kayden Jackson.
According to Darren Witcoop, League One side Wycombe Wanderers are also keen on the 31-year-old as they seek to boost their own play-off aspirations.
MK Dons To Capitalise On Recent Derby County Relations
Having already reunited with former employee Nelson, a centre-back with vast EFL experience, Paul Warne is keen to build on his side’s success in the transfer market.
Jackson’s contract in the East Midlands expires in the summer, and having failed to force his way into John Eustace’s immediate plans, the prospect of regular football in a lower division could be attractive for the former Ipswich Town man.
A consistent run of results either side of the new year has seen MK Dons establish themselves firmly in the hunt for automatic promotion. MK Dons’ ascent in the League Two standings is largely fueled by their prolific scoring record, having netted a division-leading 46 league goals.
While other clubs’ need for his services may be more immediate, the outstanding quality of service promised by his teammates at Stadium MK could be an opportunity too good to refuse for Jackson.
So far, Paul Warne’s men have shared the goals around evenly, but a reliable target man like the out-of-favour Derby County forward could be the catalyst to inspire promotion for the Dons.
How Has Jackson Fared At Derby County
After a hugely successful period of his career at Portman Road, Jackson hasn’t been able to hit the same heights during his spell at Derby.
The Yorkshire-born player, who has been deployed on the right flank in his time, made over 170 appearances for the Suffolk side, playing a prominent role in their promotion to the Premier League in 2024.
A move to play regularly in either the third or fourth tier could be the perfect catalyst for him to reignite his career. He has failed to nail down a regular starting berth at Pride Park, but his undoubted experience in the Championship could be a vital weapon for his next club.
Wycombe Wanderers Boss Hones In On His Target
Currently occupying eleventh place in a very compact and fiercely contested League One season, the Chairboys are one of many clubs in a situation where they are looking up the table while keeping a nervous eye over their shoulder.
Michael Duff has publicly spoken of his desire to bring in added firepower at the top of the pitch in the coming weeks. In comments published in the Bucks Free Press, the former Swansea City boss cited the recall of leading scorer Sam Bell by parent club Bristol City has left him short in attacking options.
“Belly (Sam Bell) is a disappointing one as I don’t think he wanted to go back, but they are his parent club.”
“In certain areas, we’re stacked with quality and competition, but in other areas, we’re really light.”
Alan Nixon, via his Patreon, claims that Derby would be willing to part with Kayden Jackson and that it is up to the player to weigh up his options.
If Wycombe are to play their way into promotion-winning form, a regular and reliable source of goals is a priority in the remaining weeks of January.
The race to secure his signature promises an intriguing narrative, as teams vie to negotiate the most favourable terms.