Derby County 'alerted' over Rangers transfer but face Sheffield Wednesday competition

Derby County reportedly face competition from fellow League One side Sheffield Wednesday to "win the race" to sign Kemar Roofe on a season-long loan from Rangers.

The 29-year-old has yet to feature for the Glasgow giants during pre-season due to injury and did not feature in last weekend's final friendly of the summer against Tottenham Hotspur as a result. Roofe picked up the injury earlier this month, just days after returning to training.

When fit, the former Leeds United striker was in fine form last season, scoring 16 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions. Those contributions also while also often playing second fiddle to Alfredo Morelos up front for Rangers.

Therefore, a loan to League One could potentially appeal to build up fitness and also become the main man again. Wednesday manager Darren Moore, who made 90 appearances for the Rams from 2005 to 2008, is said to see the striker as his side's "missing link" and is "pushing" for the move after learning of the player's potential availability, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

Derby have apparently also been "alerted" by Roofe's situation, and the Jamaica international is said to be "fancied by" several other clubs south of the border. It was claimed earlier this month that the Rams were "weighing up" a loan move and "considering" whether or not to make a bid.