Exclusive: Derby County tipped to sign Sunderland play-off hero in January - he'd bring something "different" | OneFootball

The Brighton winger has been linked with a potential loan move to Pride Park in January

Sky Sports pundit and EFL expert Lee Hendrie has explained why a temporary move to Derby County in January would be a "nice fit" for current Brighton and Hove Albion winger, Tommy Watson.

The Rams' start to the season has been somewhat lethargic after an intense summer recruitment drive at Pride Park over the course of John Eustace's maiden transfer window and pre-season in charge of the club.

After preserving their Championship status on the final day of last season by one point ahead of Luton Town, the 45-year-old has overseen a major transition in terms of the players at his disposal.

This included 13 new signings, the standout on this particular front being £7.3m buy, Patrick Agyemang, alongside the likes of Ben Brereton Diaz and Carlton Morris - with the latter of those already hitting the ground running on an individual level in DE24 after his summer switch from Luton.

However, the East Midlands side are yet to look overly convincing despite there being a major sense of belief that the club can make strides of progress throughout the course of the season and eventually push on towards becoming challengers for a play-off spot, which is exactly where the club regularly found themselves not too long ago.

Watson, of course, is now ingrained in play-off folklore, with his 94th-minute strike against Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium being the best possible parting gift for Sunderland as they ended an eight-year hiatus back in May, as he moved to the Seagulls after the striking of a £10m transfer agreement.

Yet just weeks after making his initial bow for the South Coast side, the 19-year-old's whereabouts post-January is already up for debate, with Derby one of the potential destinations mooted.

As well as his North London heroics, Watson enjoyed an extremely respectable major breakthrough season under Regis Le Bris at the Stadium of Light last term, finding the net three times in just 21 appearances before moving to the AMEX Stadium.

With Brighton gaining an impressive reputation when it comes to developing homegrown talent and foreign exports, it was seen as the ideal move for the Horden-born prospect.

So far, the teenager has impressed massively in EFL Cup action for Fabian Hurzeler's side with a neat finish in a 6-0 demolition of Oxford United last month before chipping in with three assists in the third round win against Barnsley by the same scoreline.

Alan Nixon has since reported that scouts from the Rams and divisional rivals, Hull City were in attendance alongside Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom to cast an eye on Watson's performance should Brighton sanction a loan exit.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, the aforementioned Hendrie believes it is one that could tick plenty of boxes for Eustace.

"He's got to get some games, Tom Watson," Hendrie told FLW.

"I think that was the whole point of getting him there, getting a feel for the club.

"I'd be very surprised if he didn't go out in January if he's not been used as much between now and then," the pundit claimed.

"He's still got a lot to learn.

"I think Derby would be a nice fit for him, because there's a lot of experienced players in that team," Hendrie added.

"I think they're one of the oldest squads in the league.

"I'm sure Eustace would take him under his wing, and it would give him something a little bit different."

Tommy Watson and Derby County would both benefit from Brighton loan agreement

With Watson still being in the infancy of his senior career, it is imperative that Brighton manage his development correctly. However, having previously showcased his current ability and future potential in the second tier, it's no surprise that a handful of clubs are already monitoring the forward's availability well in advance of the January window.

As Hendrie alluded to, there are plenty of seasoned campaigners with experience of the Championship and beyond that Watson could benefit from featuring alongside, such as the aforementioned Brereton Diaz and Morris.

The Rams are also lacking in 'natural' wide players at this moment in time, and have struggled to create bundles of chances in the season's opening weeks, which are two concerns that this particular loan capture would address.

Derby could also have the added advantage of previously striking beneficial agreements with Brighton too, having sold current Birmingham City loanee, Eiran Cashin, to the Sussex club for £9m back in January.