Derby County forward eyed up by Wycombe Wanderers for January transfer | OneFootball

The Chairboys are reportedly interested in bringing 31-year-old Kayden Jackson to Adams Park

Wycombe Wanderers are exploring a potential move for Derby County forward Kayden Jackson.

This development comes after Chairboys head coach Michael Duff has publicly acknowledged his side's need for reinforcements during the January window.

Speaking to the Bucks Free Press, the Wycombe head coach admitted his team needs "probably at least three new players in" this month , particularly to strengthen their midfield and attacking options, and it appears he has a target in mind in a bid to replace Sam Bell, who headed back to Bristol City after being recalled from his loan deal earlier in January.

Wycombe Wanderers 'keen' on Derby County forward Kayden Jackson

According to journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon, Wycombe are "keen" on striking a deal for Derby’s Jackson - who apparently matches what Duff is looking for as an attacking target.

It's fair to say the 31-year-old has endured a tough spell at Pride Park since joining from Ipswich Town on a two-year contract ahead of the Rams' return to the Championship in 2024 - which is even more apparent this season.

Featuring predominantly as a substitute and managing just 367 minutes of Championship football across 19 league appearances so far, Jackson has failed to register a single goal or assist in 2025/26.

It is understood by Nixon that the East Midlands outfit would be open to letting him go, and that a potential offer could come down to whether or not the forward can agree a contract at Adams Park.

When taking a closer look, Jackson's contract situation adds weight to this fresh speculation surrounding his future, with his current deal at Derby set to expire in the summer, where the attacker is estimated to be earning £12,000 a-week, as per Capology estimates.

Whether Wycombe can match Jackson's estimated current salary or whether the player would be willing to accept reduced terms in exchange for regular football remains to be seen.​

Having started just two Championship matches this term, both coming in the opening two fixtures of the campaign, the Bradford-born forward has been unable to force his way into Eustace's plans on a consistent basis, so he could be wanting out anyway.

Kayden Jackson should consider Wycombe Wanderers move - it could reignite his career

Jackson was identified by FLW as one of three players who could leave Derby this month after Eustace revealed to BBC Radio Derby the club had received "enquiries" for certain squad members - although it’s unclear exactly who the said few players are.

For all his struggles at Derby, Jackson brings a wealth of experience at League One level that could prove invaluable for Wycombe's promotion aspirations under Duff.

The right-sided forward has made 108 appearances in the third tier throughout his career, most notably for the Tractor Boys, scoring 18 goals and providing 13 assists.

His most productive League One season came in 19/20, when he netted 11 goals in 32 league appearances for Ipswich. That output shows the level Jackson can reach when played regularly in the third tier, suggesting he could rediscover his goalscoring touch if given consistent opportunities at Adams Park.

Quite obviously, the opportunity to move Jackson on in January would provide the Rams with the chance to potentially free up wages and much-needed squad space - and it seems like Wycombe would give him the game time he can't get at Pride Park.