Derby County urged to make 'win-win' Patrick Agyemang transfer decision as Leeds United, Crystal Palace circle | OneFootball

FLW's Derby County Fan Pundit weights in on the valuation of Patrick Agyemang as Leeds United and Crystal Palace circle.

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…

Derby County's hunt for a ninth away win of the season continues after they were beaten 4-2 by Hull City in a frantic and chaotic Championship clash between two promotion hopefuls at the MKM Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The Rams have lost back-to-back games now, and are looking for a reaction against Blackburn Rovers this weekend - a side that they have already beaten away from home this campaign. However, they will need their stars to be at their best to do so.

That includes Patrick Agyemang, who has impressed greatly so far this season, and the US forward is in double-figures for goals scored in the Championship, despite only joining the club from the MLS in the summer.

The 25-year-old has been one to watch at Derby, leading to interest from Crystal Palace and Leeds United. Nevertheless, the East Midlands outfit have reportedly placed a price tag of more than £20m on their American hero, and now the question has to be asked: Will they sell this summer?

Derby County backed to make huge Patrick Agyemang decision

With a home World Cup on the horizon, these next few months are vital for Agyemang, and he must continue his rich vein of form if he wants to earn a place in the USA squad for the summer's tournament.

However, those kind of performances will only make it more difficult for the Rams to keep hold of him, and when asked how much the club should value the versatile attacker, and whether he should be sold, Football League World's Derby Fan Pundit, Shaun Woodward, made his point clear.

He said: "I think it's clear to see that we're going to lose Big Pat at some point. He's clearly a cut above. When he's on his game, he's one of the best players in the Championship. I mean, if you'd watched the game against Hull, he's unplayable at times.

"He's still a tad inconsistent, and as with the Watford game, he kind of drifts in and out of games. But when he's on it, he really is a joy to watch. He can glide past players. He's big and strong. His link-up play is getting better. He's starting to come to terms with the physicality of the Championship and what it's all about, which is only going to make him better as a player.

"He’s already in double figures for the season, in his first season in English football. He's got a big summer ahead of him at the World Cup as well, which could put his price up, and I think we have actually got a genuine player with a really high ceiling at the moment."

Shaun continued: "For £20m-£25m, I don't see why not, in this day and age, with how much average players are going for in the Premier League. I don't see why we can't be holding out for £25m for a player like Agyemang. He's got he's got such potential to go on and have a great career. I wish it was with Derby, but I can't see it. I can see him moving on to bigger and better things.

"So, it's going to be a shame when he goes because I think he's got so much more to offer, but he's got to think of his career and also Derby have got to think about balancing the books. If we can get £20m+ for a player and then reinvest most back into the squad and start again, then it's a win-win for everyone. But it'll be a sad day when he goes, and I’d wish him all the very best."

Patrick Agyemang can continue to be the difference for Derby County

At 25, there is still plenty of time for Agyemang to develop into an even better player than he already is at Derby, and the reintroduction of Carlton Morris on a more regular basis will only help that.

The American has played his best football out on the wing this season, but due to an injury to the Rams' number nine, Agyemang has been forced to play in a more central role and this has at times seen him become a little isolated.

Therefore, the coming weeks are crucial to his future, and his club's. If Derby can get their World Cup hopeful playing consistently, then this will only help them in their bid for a play-off spot, while the player himself will only help himself.

The next target for Agyemang is 15 goals, and if he continues at his current rate, he will cross that line sooner rather than late.