Derby County have submitted an official loan bid to Sheffield Wednesday forward Michael Smith, according to reports in The Star.
Sheffield Wednesday kicked off the EFL season against Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League as the 20th placed side. One name on the Owl’s bench however could be of interest to Derby County fans as Paul Warne launches a bid to sign the 31-year-old on loan.
The striker was vital in the club’s promotion to the Championship last season under Darren Moore, scoring 18 goals in 42 league games. Warne, knows Smith well after the pair were both at Rotherham United together and is looking to tempt his former player to reunited, this time at Pride Park.
Smith has found himself relegated to the bench as new manager Xisco Munoz turned to Lee Gregory as his preferred attacking option. He scored the equaliser against Southampton, but his manager later turned to Ashley Fletcher as the chosen substitute leaving Smith as an unused substitute
The report states that it is currently unknown whether the club would allow the player to leave on a temporary basis, considering his goal return and at his age a loan spell is unlikely to benefit the club. It could be concluded therefore that should a move be permitted, that a permanent deal would be the only course of action that would be authorised.
Derby’s striking department has been undergoing a period of change, David McGoldrick departed for Notts County, Will Osula returned to his parent club and Bartosz Cybulski was released. They have brought in Conor Washington to join James Collins, but it could be argued the side lack firepower entering the new season. With Smith still having two years to run on his Owls contract it could be that a significant fee would be required to secure his services.
Writer’s View
A loan deal doesn’t make sense for anyone, unless it contains an obligation to buy. The report doesn’t intimate any such clauses however leaving little reason for Sheffield Wednesday to allow an 18 goal 31-year-old striker to temporarily move away. The new manager is also finding his feet and could later turn to the player if his current options don’t bring the results he is anticipating. I suspect, that unless a fee is paid the player will not join Derby.
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