Jack Marriott would significantly improve Derby County’s first-team XI

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Derby County are seemingly keen on signing Peterborough’s Jack Marriott.

According to a report by Sky Sports, Derby County manager Frank Lampard is keen on signing Peterborough United’s Jack Marriott following his excellent campaign in League One.

The Posh Striker topped the League One scoring charts last season as he netted 33 goals in all competitions, and his lethal touch in-front of goal certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed.

A recent report by Sky Sports claimed that Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday and Rangers were all keen on the player, and now it appears both Bristol City and Derby County have joined the race.

The Rams missed out on promotion to the Premier League last season as they crashed out at the semi-final stage of the Championship playoffs, losing to eventual winners Fulham 2-1 on aggregate.

As a result, newly-appointed Derby boss Frank Lampard may have to sell before he can buy but finding the money to fund a deal for Marriott would be well worth it as he would significantly strengthen the side.

Last season Derby lacked a proper striker capable of finding the net on a regular basis. Matej Vydra was the league’s top scorer, but the Czech’s best position is as a number 10 behind a central forward.

The east Midlands club started the campaign with Chris Martin before he fell out of favour and was loaned out, while David Nugent and loanee Sam Winnall also featured upfront before injuries and loss of form took its toll.

In January, Derby signed Cameron Jerome from Norwich City and despite performing well towards the end of the campaign, the former Birmingham City man turns 32 in August and is past his best.

Marriott, at 23, is currently at a better level than Derby’s strikers and considering his age, he is only likely to get better with more experience and playing alongside a better calibre of player.

Should Lampard manage to bring him in, he can easily compensate for potentially selling Matej Vydra with Tom Lawrence capable of playing inside, and in the process the first-team XI would appear more balanced.

Lampard has a tough job on his hands with many supporters hopeful of another promotion challenge, and signing Marriott may relieve the pressure somewhat as he is all-but guaranteed to regularly find the net given the chance.