Rams consider long-term loan

Clough: Pondering loan move

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Derby boss Nigel Clough could bring in a striker on a long-term loan deal after losing Steve Davies to a long-term injury.

Davies suffered damaged cruciate knee ligaments during pre-season training this week and is facing six months on the sidelines.

Rams boss Clough has funds at his disposal to make a permanent signing, but the Pride Park chief is weighing up a temporary deal.

"It is very difficult to get the quality of player we are after on a permanent deal because the fees people are asking are astronomical at the moment," said Clough.

"The prices tend to come down as you get to the end of August. We are reasonably happy with the squad and we are going to bide our time. If there is the right deal out there, we will try and do it.

Value

"A six-month loan would probably make the most sense. We would probably get the best value for money on that sort of deal.

"We can go to a Premier League club and say we are looking for a striker or wide player for six months and we will get a good quality player for that sort of time. We have already started making a few calls."

Clough continues to be linked with a move for Scunthorpe striker Gary Hooper, but has again insisted that the Iron's asking price is too high.

He told Sky Sports News: "We like Gary Hooper but he's had such a good couple of seasons.

"Strikers are very much sought-after in the Championship, so he has got quite a big price on his head at the moment and we will just keep an eye on the situation."