Waghorn has been prolific at Rangers and has reportedly caught the eye of both Derby County and Nottingham Forest in recent months.
Derby County fans won’t want to be reminded that a lack of goals may have played a major part in them missing out on a place in the top six this season. Despite possessing natural, proven goalscorers like David Nugent, Matej Vydra and Darren Bent in the squad, the fact that only Aston Villa have hit the net fewer times in the top half of the Championship speaks volumes.
Therefore, can they really afford to stand idly by as near neighbours Nottingham Forest weigh up a move for a striker who has averaged a goal every two games in all competition this season, as reported by The Sun (21/03, page 73)?
In 31 games north of the border for Rangers, Martyn Waghorn has scored 15 times in the most prolific spell of his nomadic career. And The Sun reports that Nottingham Forest, whose goals have dried up in recent weeks, are preparing to challenge Leeds United and Sunderland for his signature in the summer.
However, Derby are in desperate need of a new forward and the fact that Waghorn can play in a number of forward positons may also endear him to new Rams boss Gary Rowett.
Furthermore, the Daily Record reported earlier in the season that Derby were hoping to take advantage of his lack of regular starts under Mark Warburton – who, coincidentally, is the man supposedly keen on signing him for Forest.
The fact that Waghorn, who finished 90 minutes on just three occasions under the manager at Rangers, criticised his selection policy following his exit suggests that Forest may have their work cut out.
“You could say [we’ve underperformed],” the Rangers forward told the Daily Record. “People don’t know if they are playing, they are in and out. There has been a lot of uncertainty at times.”
Therefore, this could be the ideal opportunity for Derby to make their move. They are crying out for an in-form goalscorer and Waghorn’s form since moving to Rangers suggests he has discovered that golden touch.
And if they can deliver a blow to their local rivals at the same time, all the better.
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