Who could replace David McGoldrick? Three strikers Derby County could sign this summer

Derby County’s attack was almost solely reliant on the 35-year-old striker last season as he netted 22 goals in the league. However, following his surprise move to Notts County, the Rams are left with a hole up front. So who could Paul Warne look to bring in to provide Pride Park with more goals.

Conor Washington – Rotherham United

Last week, Football Insider reported that the Rams were in talks with Rotherham over a deal for Washington to bolster their front line. The 31-year-old scored six goals in 37 appearances last season for the Millers and is out of his contract at the end of next season.

As a player that was originally brought into Rotherham by Rams boss Paul Warne, it is no surprise to see that the Rams are interested in the Northern-Irish international. Washington has played for a number of clubs in the Championship and League One including Rotherham, QPR, Sheffield United and Charlton Athletic.

Washington’s previous experience of playing under Warne should allow him to get used to the system fairly quickly if Derby decide to bring him to Pride Park. The Millers should be keen to sell him in this transfer window as he’s in the last year of his contract and they could lose him for nothing if they don’t act soon, so the Rams shouldn’t have much trouble pursuing him.

Alfie May – Cheltenham Town

Alfie May is the preferred choice by many Rams fans alike as the Cheltenham Town striker put together a very impressive goalscoring season last year. He netted 20 goals for the Robins and established himself as one of the best strikers in League One, so predictably he’s been attracting interest.

According to the Daily Express, Cheltenham have received interest from Charlton Athletic, Wrexham, Huddersfield Town, Millwall, Birmingham City, Peterborough United and Gillingham.

If Paul Warne was to pursue May, the fee would likely have to be fairly high for his value because of this list of potential customers. May has been at Cheltenham since 2020 when they signed him from Doncaster Rovers for just £5,000. Since then he’s scored 58 goals in 141 appearances.

Lee Bonis – Larne FC

Back in May, Derbyshire Live reported that the Rams were interested in the highly rated Northern-Irishman who has been valued at around £300k. Bonis has been playing for Larne FC in the Irish Premiership.

Last season he impressed, scoring 12 goals and assisting nine times in 29 league games. The 23-year-old could be the most sensible option of them all as he is still young and the Rams could develop him even further into a talented goal scorer.

Paul Warne’s side have been rumoured to show interest alongside a number of other teams including Blackpool, Birmingham, Wigan and Portsmouth according to Belfast Live. It seems likely that Bonis will be on the move this summer but the question is, will the Rams enter into discussions with Larne FC to secure his signature, only time will tell.