Derby County backed to sign £10m Brighton ace - 'he could be the difference' | OneFootball

FLW’s Rams Fan Pundit has made a case for the club to pursue Tommy Watson on loan

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…

FLW’s Derby County Fan Pundit has made a case for the Rams to pursue Brighton and Hove Albion winger Tommy Watson in the January transfer window, but has other concerns about depth in the middle of the park.

The 19-year-old signed for the Seagulls from Sunderland for £10m in the summer, but the deal was already confirmed before he scored the winning goal in last season's playoff final for the Black Cats.

So far this season, Watson's only made five appearances across all competitions, but has one goal and three assists to his name - albeit all in the Carabao Cup.

Journalist Alan Nixon reported via his Patreon in September that Derby were linked with a move for Watson, along with Championship rivals Preston North End and Hull City.

Tommy Watson "could be the difference" for John Eustace's Derby County

Speaking to FLW, our Rams Fan Pundit Shaun Woodward outlined why he thinks Watson would be a worthwhile addition to John Eustace's squad.

"I think I've already said it, but Tom Watson. For a young kid, he's got real potential, real ability," Woodward explained. "Looks like he's got a good pass and shot on him, and he's willing to learn."

With Brighton yet to offer the ex-Mackem regular opportunities in the Premier League, a temporary switch to the Championship could very well speed up his development while providing the Rams with an extra attacking option.

"The fact that he cost £10m at such a young age, I think he's someone that could come in for half a season, get a bit of game time - especially in the closing stages of games that are tight, I think he could be the difference," Woodward said.

However, Woodward raises an important consideration that could potentially complicate any move.

"I don't know where he fits into the 3-4-3 formation, so that's something now that potentially might scupper any plans because I don't know where he fits, but he could potentially be one of the front three," Woodward stated.

"I've not seen enough of him to know whether he can fit into that front three, but he's a player I really like and would be really excited to see him come to Derby for half a season."

Seeing as though Woodward has also called for the East Midlands outfit to send Corey Blackett-Taylor out on loan, who, like Watson, is a natural left-winger, similar concerns might arise if he was to join.

Derby County may need to address mounting midfield crisis

Even after winning five Championship games in a row, Woodward's comments about Watson arrive at a somewhat concerning time for Derby County, in terms of their midfield situation.

During the win against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park, Crystal Palace loanee David Ozoh was forced off with a thigh injury just ten minutes into the match - and there also remains considerable uncertainty surrounding his loan midfield partner Bobby Clark.

The Times reported in October that Scottish champions Celtic were preparing a permanent move for the Liverpool academy graduate in January, though Eustace insisted Derby wish to keep him.

"The only other thing is, with Ozoh getting injured at the weekend, we are a bit light in the midfield," Woodward noted.

"Because there are potential rumours that (Bobby) Clark might go to Celtic, and the fact (Lewis) Travis is injured at the moment, Thompson's injured, Kenzo's (Goudmijn) out on loan - we're relying on (Ebou) Adams staying fit and suspension free, which might not happen."

Whilst the injuries present a pretty obvious challenge, Woodward believes potential solutions already exist - suggesting that if Clark does depart for Scotland, recalling Goudmijn could help.

"I haven't really thought about who. If Clark goes, we need a ball-player. You never know, maybe Kenzo can come back and fill that role," Woodward suggested.

All in all, with Derby now sat in tenth after their incredible run, the calibre of players they might be able to attract in January could be better than first expected if results continue to stay consistent.

So, any potential additions in January would surely be aimed at trying to push the Rams into genuine promotion contention during the second half of the season, and Watson has experience in doing that elsewhere.