Derby County boss Steve McClaren is reportedly keen on striker Lukas Jutkiewicz.
Birmingham City’s Lucas Jutkiewicz in action with Burton’s Jon McLaughlin
According to The Sun, Derby County boss Steve McClaren is hoping to lure Burnley striker Lukas Jutkiewicz, and will fight with Birmingham City for his signature.
Jutkiewicz, 27, joined Burnley in the summer of 2014 as the Clarets swooped to land him from Middlesbrough upon their promotion to the Premier League – but Jutkiewicz didn’t enjoy much success in the top flight.
The former Everton man failed to score in 25 Premier League games in the 2014/15 season, before a major knee injury restricted him to just five appearances last season.
Jutkiewicz played in two Premier League games earlier this term before signing a loan deal until January 2nd with Birmingham City, and he’s impressed with five goals in 12 appearances for the Blues.
Burnley’s Lukas Jutkiewicz in action with Everton’s Leighton Baines
Birmingham boss Gary Rowett may be keen on a permanent deal for Jutkiewicz, but he will face competition for his signature according to reports, as Rowett’s former club Derby County are allegedly keen.
The Sun report that Rams boss Steve McClaren wants to lure Jutkiewicz to the iPro Stadium, with Derby searching for a new striker to lead the line having allowed Chris Martin to join Fulham on loan.
Burnley’s Lukas Jutkiewicz
Matej Vydra and Darren Bent don’t offer the same physicality that Martin does, and Jutkiewicz looks like a suitable replacement as a natural centre forward who can hold the ball up and challenge defenders in the air.
It’s claimed that Derby may have to pay up to £1m to sign Jutkiewicz in January when his loan deal ends, meaning Birmingham may face a real fight to keep hold of their loan striker in 2017.
Would you like to see Derby sign Jutkiewicz?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
