It seems the ‘big ticket’ signing many Rams fans have been hoping for has once again become unlikely with Nigel Clough seemingly pulling out of the race for striker Gary Hooper.

Reports in today’s press have indicated that Scunthorpe is asking a price well above what the Rams are willing to pay for the player.

Clough still hopes that a deal can be done for the prolific goal scorer who put it into the back of the net 19 times during the last Championship season.

But the 22 year old may have to be removed from his shopping list as Clough himself admitted to the press:

"Scunthorpe want an awful lot of money for him and we already have six strikers on our books”.

"The combination of those things mean we won't be adding him at the moment."

It could be a bluff but I for one would like to know what “an awful lot of money” is?

Considering the continued support of season ticket holders whom pay quite an “awful lot of money” for the privilege of watching their beloved Rams, perhaps an idea of what that large monetary sum is would assist in their understanding.

Nigel may be bluffing to force Scunthorpe’s hand in the matter but as has been the case over recent seasons we may see another club swoop in and secure the players signature for a fee that many of us would consider reasonable.

Am I sounding jaded? Perhaps. Although we have six strikers on the books I find it hard to believe that the likes of Varney and Hulse would not be of interest to other Championship clubs looking for goals. Both can score at this level and if it is a case of needing them off the wage bill surely they could be moved on for a slightly reduced fee.

Hooper is the type of player Derby need up front and the Rams must show some ambition in chasing improvement and ultimately promotion. Cut price buys and young hungry players will only take you so far. A sprinkling of quality is required.

It is Nigel I feel for most as although no team should pay silly money for a player, you would like to think that it is time for the owners to open their purses a bit wider and give the fans something to genuinely get excited about.

Quality signings provide that excitement and a little of that is long overdue for Derby County fans.

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Photo: Action Images

richard added 16:41 - Jul 14 First of all I'm getting peeved off with Derby County not going for players we badly need. I'm sick and tired of hearing Nigel clough contradicting himself. And the one thing I am getting really angry with is, Mr Tom Glick said in March of this year that DCFC will be signing Barker type players in the Summer transfer window, and if it means spending millions then so be it. So Mr Glick and GSE, where is your investment in DCFC? First you say you're going to bring players in, and now Nigel is telling us we cant afford players!! I bet you're glad you got our season ticket money though, aren't you Mr Glick. Finally my last point, we have only got 2 recognised strikers at DCFC, in Hulse and Porter. Just to say Mr Glick there are alot of DCFC fans worried about your none investment and time will only tell this season, if we get off to a bad start be ready for the chants of get the board and and Nigel Clough out, cause we have had enough.

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ramman1 added 19:49 - Jul 15 if we cant afford this, then why on earth havent we put a bid in for billy sharp £1.2mill will buy this striker who ran us ragged last season, class player
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