A handful of free agents still available as Derby County target goals for promotion charge

Derby County boss Paul Warne has been vocal in his desire to sign frontmen as the season draws ever closer.

Speaking to BBC Derby Sport, he said: “I would like a nine and a number 10 really, but I’m not trying to be greedy.

“I think we’ve got it potentially in our budget to bring in at least another one or two, or spread it more thin and go three, but I think I’d be happy with two good ones.”

There are still a number of free agent strikers around League One and the Championship, so here are four free agent strikers that are available for the Rams to target.

Lucas Joao

Joao, formerly of Reading would be an incredible signing for a League One team as he clearly has Championship quality.

Last season, he scored seven goals in 34 appearances for the Royals. He’s previously played for Sheffield Wednesday also where he scored 29 goals.

The wage bill for Joao could be quite sizable, however the Rams would save on any transfer fee if they could convince him to join. He’d be a star striker in League One, but it does seem somewhat unrealistic.

Elias Kachunga

Formerly of Bolton and Huddersfield Town, Kachunga has been in some successful teams in League One and the Championship, experience that could be useful for the Rams.

Last season, the 31-year-old made 38 appearances for Bolton. His scoring record hasn’t been great as of late but he would help to add some solid depth to the Rams frontline.

Although many would argue that if Paul Warne looks elsewhere, there may be better options.

Florian Kamberi

28-year-old Kamberi most recently had a spell at Hudderfield Town where he was released after making only two appearances where he netted once.

Much of his game time came in the Scottish league when he played for Hibernian between 2018 and 2020 where he made 84 appearances scoring an impressive 30 goals.

This goalscoring prowess could come in handy for Derby who are still lacking that solid goalscorer.

Kamberi is also at an age where Derby could get two or three good years out of him and so he could be a good signing for Paul Warne.