Derby County boss Paul Warne has been sent a stark warning about a player they are interested in signing this summer.
Derby are preparing for a huge summer ahead as they prepare for life in the Championship.
Paul Warne needs to bolster most positions in his squad to build a side that is capable of competing in the second tier, all while resolving the futures of his 12 outfield players.
Conor Hourihane is one player who is poised to exit Pride Park as his contract expires this summer and League One side Barnsley have reportedly approached the midfielder for a player/coaching role.
Having also watched Max Bird finally make his permanent departure to Bristol City, the engine room is an area that needs serious improvement and Derby have been linked to Barnsley midfielder Herbie Kane.
Striker is equally a position that needs bolstering and links to Sheffield Wednesday forward Josh Windass highlights their ambition in that regard.
Carlton Palmer sends Paul Warne ‘problem’ warning about Josh Windass
Windass sees his contract expire at Hillsborough this summer and the 30-year-old is in talks with the club over a new deal.
The former Rangers striker – who fired in six goals in 25 Championship appearances – has attracted widespread interest from several second-tier clubs and in the MLS.
Stoke City, West Brom, Hull City and Derby are the names linked with a move for Windass, although former Sheffield Wednesday player Carlton Palmer has sent a warning to those looking at the Englishman.
Speaking to Football League World, he said: “He’s enjoying his football under Danny Rohl, but Sheffield Wednesday have to weigh up the option that Josh is 30 now, which is no age, but there will be a concern that he only played 25 Championship games last season – 28 in all competitions. If you’re giving him a new long-term contract, that would be a problem.”
“He played 34 in 22/23, nine in 21/22 and 41 in 2020/21, so you have to go a long way back to when he’s played a large number of games. You’ve got to bear that in mind when signing Josh on a contract.”
Palmer has questioned his inability to play regularly without facing a dip in form or a spell on the sidelines with injury and Derby must take that into account when weighing up a move, as well as another factor.
Josh Windass isn’t clinical enough
Windass did help keep Wednesday in the Championship under Danny Rohl, but ultimately, his goal scoring record at this level flatters to deceive.
He’s netted 27 goals in 129 second tier matches, which is a return that shouldn’t fill the Rams with confidence, especially when they’re looking for a clinical striker to take the edge away from James Collins.
Warne has previously said he’s looking for extra athleticism and youthful exuberance to add to his experienced core of players.
Windass – who celebrated his 30th birthday in January – doesn’t slot into either of those categories and there are certainly better options out there in the market.
Of course, capturing the forward on a free transfer comes with no risk and plenty of reward if it pays off, but as he’s struggled to score goals at this level previously and stay fit, it’s best if Derby avoid Windass.
The club were plagued by injury troubles last term, and signing the Englishman could add to those problems.
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