Derby County handed huge boost as path cleared for seventh transfer

Derby County are hopeful of completing a deal for Cardiff City ace James Collins this summer and rival suitors Portsmouth have admitted defeat in their pursuit of the striker.

Liam Rosenior continues to add to his squad over the transfer window and a move for Collins could be a shrewd acquisition. The 25-year-old netted 15 goals last season to maintain his prolific form since arriving in the EFL from non-league football in 2019.

The Rams are in need of extra bodies to flesh out Rosenior's squad, and have made four signings following the completion of a takeover. Conor Hourihane, James Chester, Joe Wildsmith, Tom Barkhuizen, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and David McGoldrick have all joined the club's efforts to regain their Championship status next season.

And the Rams' pursuit of Collins has been boosted after Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley gave an update on the club's search for a forward. Cowley told The News: "James Collins is obviously a player that we know well. We have a lot of respect for him, both as a player and a person, and is someone we identified early when we were informed that potentially he would be available.

"But I’m not sure that it will be possible for us, if I’m honest. It would have been a player we’d have liked to take on a loan – and I think there’s another club which will probably take him permanently.

"James Collins is a bit different because we’ve had clarity from Cardiff on that situation, but I wouldn't want to speak too much about the players we're trying to bring in."