Derby winger close to exit with Championship rivals circling

Derby County are looking to move out-of-form winger Florian Jozefzoon on in January with rival clubs registering interest, according to reports. 

The 28-year-old has been on the fringes of Philip Cocu’s side this season, featuring in only 10 Championship games so far.

According to Football Insider, Nottingham Forest, Wigan and Birmingham City have all expressed an interest in signing Jozefzoon.

The winger was signed by Frank Lampard in 2018 for £2.75m but he has failed to establish himself in the starting XI, appearing 27 times in the second tier in his first season at Pride Park.

He was one of only six permanent signings Lampard made in the now-Chelsea boss’ one and only season with the Rams.

Jozefzoon has experience at Championship level, impressing at Brentford before making the move to Derby.

The winger bagged seven goals and provided seven assists for Brentford in the 2017-18 season, proving he is capable in the Championship.

When first signed, Rams fans were optimistic for the winger but now Jozefzoon finds himself behind the likes of Jason Kinght and Tom Lawrence in the pecking order.

The winger has not featured since a 1-0 defeat to Millwall in December.

According to reports, Rams boss Cocu has given his consent for Jozefzoon to find a new employer, with a loan move the most likely option.

Jozefzoon still has two years left on his contract and the player would need regular football elsewhere to convince another club to sign him for the price Derby paid.

The Rams themselves will be looking to sign at least one more player in January, with Cocu still searching for a long-term replacement for Richard Keogh.

Keogh was injured in a drink-driving incident involving teammates Lawrence and Mason Bennett in September and has since had his contract terminated.

A loan move for Jozefzoon could free up some wages at Pride Park, allowing Cocu to bring in another couple of players.