Derby County join promotion rivals in race for Northern Irish striker
Ronan Hale scored 30 goals last season at Northern Ireland Premiership side Cliftonville
Derby County have joined League One promotion rivals Bolton and Portsmouth in the race for former Birmingham City forward Ronan Hale.
The striker has been playing for Northern Ireland Premiership side Cliftonville and according to Football Insider has been impressing a number of English clubs including the Rams.
Hale, 25, scored 30 goals in all competitions last season and has developed a reputation as a proven goalscorer.
The striker came through Birmingham City's youth system, but he struggled to find a way into the first team. He then made a move to Northern Irish side Crusaders FC.
Hale has since played for St Patrick's Athletic and Larne. He is valued at over £200k and so if the Rams are keen on landing the striker, they will need to put a solid offer in to compete with their League One rivals.
Paul Warne has been keen to add an attacker as Derby's squad depth going forward is not the best as things stand.
They do have an in form striker in James Collins who has 16 goals in all competitions including three in his last two games.
Hale would add some youth to the attack which Derby will be crying out for as they have the highest average age in the league.
A good signing who could develop into a solid goalscoring option, Hale would be a nice addition to Derby's attack.