Former £1 million Derby County striker target released and available for free

Derby County head up to the Championship in need of more options at the striker position.

With James Collins, Dwight Gayle, Martyn Waghorn and Tyreece John-Jules’ contracts all expiring, they may have to delve into the free agent market to add firepower up top.

Peterborough United have announced that striker Jonson Clarke-Harris will leave the club as a free agent this summer, a previous Derby transfer target.

Clarke-Harris almost made a £1 million move to Bristol Rovers last summer, a deal that fell through on deadline day.

There is no doubting the 29 year-old’s talent as he has scored 87 goals in just four seasons with the Posh, including 31 goal and 26 goal seasons.

He was previously linked with the Rams as they needed a striker and Clarke-Harris played under Paul Warne at Rotherham, but the Derby boss downplayed the rumours as he admitted that it would cost the club £1 million, a budget that they couldn’t afford.

However, now that the 29 year-old is a free agent, the Rams could pick him up for free and get themselves a quality striker for a cut-price.

After releasing their retained list, Peterborough were quick to acknowledge the impact that Clarke-Harris has had. Manager Darren Ferguson said: “Jonson has been a great signing. He played such a pivotal role in us getting promoted, scored quite a few goals in the Championship and has made such a huge impact on what we have done in recent years.

“I wish him all the best, I am sure he will get a good move and he deserves it. He will never be forgotten for what he did here.”

If Derby were to sign him, they would have a striker with plenty of Championship experience, something that Paul Warne will be crying out for. They will likely need to sign multiple attackers this summer before the season starts, but Clarke-Harris would be a fantastic start.