Sheffield United reportedly want Millwall goal-machine Lee Gregory – but he will surely appeal to the bargain-hunting Gary Rowett at Derby County.
Gary Rowett has built his burgeoning managerial reputation upon a commendable ability to overachieve. At new employers Derby County, however, merely fulfilling expectations wouldn’t be a bad place to start.
Unlike modest Burton Albion and cash-strapped Birmingham City, who both thrived throughout Rowett’s tenure, The Rams have flattered to deceive in recent seasons despite possessing a strong squad and a budget that would turn most of their Championship rivals jade green with jealousy.
As such, Rowett is now in a position where he can afford to pay top dollar in the transfer market. Whereas Birmingham have not spent more than £4 million on a single player since 2010, Derby have signed five players for that fee and above in the last two seasons alone, as reported by the Derby Telegraph.
Though the newspaper adds that Rowett is unlikely to adopt a kid in a candy store approach to transfers and instead attempt to replicate his success at Birmingham by identifying targets from the lower divisions.
Therefore, with The Sun reporting that newly promoted Sheffield United are eyeing up a £2 million move for Lee Gregory, it would make sense for Rowett to throw his hat into the ring. The Blades are in need of another striker to take the pressure off Billy Sharp and Gregory would certainly fit the bill.
Derby’s lack of prolific goalscorers has held them back all season long but Gregory, who starred in Millwall’s run to the FA Cup quarter-finals, has netted 33 goals in the last two seasons in League One.
Furthermore, the 28-year-old deserves a chance in the second tier after netting nine in the 2014/15 season.
And, valued at just £2 million, Gregory may appeal to Rowett’s eye for a bargain. A number of astute, affordable signings played a major role in his successes at Burton and Birmingham and there’s no reason why he should change his tactic at Pride Park.
If it ain’t broke, after all.
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