'I can't see him going to Nottingham Forest' - Exit for Derby County star to City Ground questioned | OneFootball

FLW's Rams fan pundit has his say on the reports linking Curtis Nelson and Jacob Zetterstrom with moves away from Pride Park

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

The January transfer window is only weeks away from opening. The rumour mill is starting to churn, and names are starting to be linked with moves away from Championship sides.

In Derby County's case, Curtis Nelson looks poised to leave, according to an exclusive report from Football League World. The 32-year-old made his return to the side after nearly a year out through a knee injury against Leicester City, making a one-minute cameo off the bench.

Two seasons ago, Nelson was named the club's Player of the Year, but his time out has understandably affected his standing at Pride Park, and John Eustace may be happy to offload the centre-back before his contract runs out at the end of the season.

Alongside Nelson is Jacob Zetterstrom, who has been an important piece to Eustace's Derby puzzle in the Rams' goal. The 27-year-old is reportedly being monitored by Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest.

John Eustace has admitted that he expects "a lot" of interest in his players in January, and FLW's Rams fan pundit, Shaun Woodward, has reacted to the rumours linking the experienced centre back and solid shot-stopper with moves away.

Derby County fan pundit would be "disappointed" to see Curtis Nelson leave in January

Given Nelson's role in the side's promotion to the Championship a couple of seasons ago, playing every minute en route to a top two finish, and then continuing that trend through the first 27 games of last season, it's understandable to see why Woodward and other Derby fans would be sad to see the 32-year-old depart.

But since Nelson's injury, Paul Warne was sacked, John Eustace was brought in, and he's been able to assess and bring in his own players to complement his system during his absence.

Despite this, Woodward still believes that the veteran centre-back should be playing week in, week out, and if he can't get that game time at Derby, then he doesn't blame him for seeking an exit.

"It would be really disappointing to see Curtis Nelson leave, because I feel that a fully-fit Nelson is one of Derby's top three centre-backs," he said.

"He showed at the start of last season that he is a class act in this league, and I think that one of the reasons Eiran Cashin went for so much money and looked so good is because he was next to Nelson — he was such a good leader, and a young player benefited next to him.

"I do think that there's a place for him, but if he's not in the starting three, he's too good to be sitting on the bench."

Eustace has seemingly found his preferred back three in Sondre Langas, Matty Clarke and Dion Sanderson, with veteran duo Danny Batth and Craig Forsyth as the back-ups in case they aren't available.

Given Batth and Forsyth's ages, Woodward feels that a squad role is fine for them, but may not be for Nelson.

"A player like Fozzy or Batth's role is to be patient on the bench and wait for opportunities through suspension or injury, but I don't think Nelson is at that point in his career yet," Woodward explained.

"He should be playing 90 minutes week in, week out, and if Eustace can't guarantee that, then I don't blame him for wanting to leave, which will be a shame because he's in that top three with Clarke and Langas — I still think he has something over Sanderson.

"I believe that, now, he is the better option, and some may disagree, but I remember the form he showed at the start of last season; he was top class.

"He's a top bloke, a really good pro, and he's done really well at Derby, so I'd be sad to see him go."

Derby County fan pundit doesn't believe that Jacob Zetterstrom will leave the club this January

Whilst Woodward is slightly resigned to the fact that Nelson may be on his way out next month, he doesn't feel that the same can be said for goalkeeper Zetterstrom, despite reported Premier League interest.

The fan pundit does believe that the 27-year-old has the potential to make it to the very top, but believes that a move to a top-flight side this winter would result in him being a mere back-up, rather than a regular starter.

"As for Zetterstrom, I can't see him going to Nottingham Forest," he continued.

"He has shown this season that he's really improved. His all-round game has come on leaps and bounds, and he's going to be a top goalkeeper.

"I wouldn't blame him for wanting to test himself in the Premier League, but if he goes to Forest, I can see him just sitting on their bench, which does nothing for a promising goalie."

The 27-year-old was a big part of Derby's climb up the Championship in October, and achieved the rare feat of being nominated as a goalkeeper for the Championship Player of the Month for his performances that month.

However, the likelihood of him dislodging Matz Sels from the Forest line-up, if the interest from Sean Dyche's side is true, is rather slim, and Woodward believes that the Swedish international would be better suited staying at Pride Park.

"If he went to Forest, he'd be on more money and in the Premier League, but he'd want to be playing week in, week out, and he comes across like he loves his time at Derby, so I can't see him leaving just to sit on someone's bench," he said.

"If someone offered him a starting role, then I think he'd go, and I wouldn't blame him.