Former England international Carlton Palmer believes that Derby County should do everything in their power to hijack Bristol Rovers' pursuit of Peterborough United striker Jonson Clarke-Harris in January.
The Rams recorded a 3-0 victory over promotion rivals Barnsley at the weekend to win back-to-back league games for only the second time this season. This has seen the club move to the fringes of the League One play-off places, although they were one of the pre-season favourites to win the division and manager Paul Warne has been under pressure in recent weeks.
Derby endured a nightmare start to the season, and their home form was particularly sketchy. They recorded just one win from their opening five fixtures at Pride Park, scoring just four goals. However, Warne's team have recovered, winning their last three home clashes.
Promotion is still the aim and is the minimum that supporters will accept, who will not want to prolong their stay in the third tier to a third season. Although the last two outings have garnered seven goals, replacing last season's top goalscorer David McGoldrick has been tough. However, Carlton Palmer believes there is an easy solution to that problem in the shape of Peterborough United striker Jonson Clarke-Harris.
The 29-year-old will be allowed to leave the Cambridgeshire outfit in January having seen a move to Bristol Rovers on Transfer Deadline Day fall through in the final moments. Despite Joey Barton departing the Gas last month, they are expected to make another move for their former player in January, although there could be interest from elsewhere.
Speaking to Football League World, the former Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United defender believes Derby should be looking to hijack the move;
"Bristol Rovers are rumoured to be revisiting the signing of Jonson Clarke-Harris in the January transfer window.
"Rovers had agreed a club record fee for Harris, believed to be around PS800,000 but were unable to get the paperwork done in time to complete the deal.
"Last season, he netted 26 goals in 36 appearances for Peterborough in League One. He's started slowly this season, only bagging four so far in 14 appearances.
"His record at League One level, it's a no-brainer. He also scored over 30 goals in League One in the 2020-21 season.
"Certainly, Derby should be looking at him."
Championship sides Huddersfield Town and Sheffield Wednesday have been linked to the striker in the past, but Palmer did warn the pair against a move;
"But for Huddersfield and Sheffield Wednesday, who need to be looking out for a striker proven at Championship level, his best tally in a Championship season is 12 goals.
"Huddersfield and Sheffield Wednesday need someone who can guarantee them more than that at Championship level."
Derby are in action tonight against League Two's Crewe Alexandra as they look to secure their spot in the FA Cup second round.
Writer's View
Clarke-Harris would be the ideal man for Derby, or in-fact most teams in League One. To have a player of his quality available mid-season is rare and a move to Pride Park could be tempting, especially with the chance of playing Championship football next season.
Bristol Rovers must still be the favourites to capture his signature, especially after agreeing terms in the summer. He is also well regarded at the Memorial Stadium, having hit 27 goals in 52 appearances for the club between 2019 and 2020.
It will be interesting to see if the Rams consider a move, especially because Peterborough will likely demand similar to the six-figure fee they agreed with Rovers previously.