Derby County have been linked with a move for former loan defender Andre Wisdom, but a move for Wolves’ Dominic Iorfa may be more realistic and represent better value for money.
Wolves’ Dominic Iorfa has struggled for form this season
A busy summer is expected at Pride Park as Derby County boss Gary Rowett looks to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion from the Championship next season.
The right- back position has been an area highlighted by Derby supporters that needs strengthening in particular. The vast majority of Rams fans are hopeful that the club will make a move for Liverpool’s Andre Wisdom, who enjoyed a highly successful loan spell with the Rams in their 2013/14 campaign.
Rowett has previously stated that Wisdom, who has been on loan with Red Bull Salzburg, is the ‘type of player’ that he would be interested in signing (Derby Telegraph). Liverpool rate the 23-year-old at £4million, as reported by the Liverpool Echo, but Derby’s hopes of signing Wisdom look slim as Salzburg are poised to make his move to Austria a permanent one (The Sun).
Wolves’ right-back Dominc Iorfa would represent a feasible alternative. The England under-21 international would command a similar transfer fee but at 21, he is two years younger than Wisdom and has plenty of Championship experience. He has played 93 times for Wolves since breaking into the first-team in 2014.
Andre Wisdom (right) has spent his fourth successive season out on loan with Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg
Like Wisdom, Iorfa is predominantly a right-back but can play in the centre of defence. The Wolves academy graduate provides a physical presence and has pace in abundance, these were qualities that Wisdom displayed during his time with the Rams and was what made him such a popular figure at the club.
Iorfa has struggled for form this season and at Molineux and has only made 22 appearances in the Championship last season , with midfielder Conor Coady preferred in the right-back position in the second half of the season.
Derby should use this to their advantage and make a move for a possible cut price deal. A move to Derby has the potential to reignite Iorfa’s career and if he rediscovers his best form, the Rams will reap the rewards of their investment.
Dominic Iorfa made just 22 Championship appearances for Wolves last season
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
