West Ham striker Divin Mubama is a target for League One promotion hopefuls Derby County, as reported by Claret and Hugh.
Mubama is highly rated by the Hammers, and he’s been the subject of speculation recently that suggests he could be in line for a first-team shot. Warne is believed to have identified the 19-year-old as a player who could give them the boost they need in the winter transfer window as they look to live up to their pre-season billing as promotion favourites.
Mubama, who has nine outings for the Hammers, is currently involved in contract talks with his parent club, with owner David Sullivan keen to get him to commit his future to the Hammers before heading out on loan. The 6ft striker, who has already represented his country up to Under 20 level, has yet to sign that deal, and there’s a real fear in East London that he could end up leaving in the summer for nothing.
That situation makes a loan deal seem likely for Derby, as any permanent transfer would command a fee, which could alert clubs higher up the chain. Derby already have Tyreece John-Jules on loan from Premier League Arsenal, but his campaign has been blighted by injury, as his spells with Lincoln, Ipswich and Doncaster were. His spell is due to end in January, and whilst there’s a belief he could stay beyond that, nothing firm has yet been agreed, which could put Warne in the market for a striker.
The Rams have had an indifferent season, slumping out of the FA Cup against Crewe but managing to cling onto the coattails of the teams hunting a play-off place. Warne’s side missed out on the top six on the final day of last season but started this campaign hotly tipped for automatic promotion, something that currently looks beyond them, with an eight-point gap already having opened between them and second-placed Oxford United.
Writer’s View
If Derby could secure a loan deal for Mubama, it would be a huge coup.
He’s well thought of at West Ham, and some sections of their support believe he deserves a first-team chance – that could affect his decision in January if a move is on the table. A loan in League One, especially with a club struggling to keep their fans onside, could be damaging. Look at John-Jules – he was a huge prospect before he went out on loan, but several average spells at different clubs have left his stock low.
That said, giving a player like Mubama a chance can work the other way and kickstart his career. Ellis Sims is a good example – he spent to with Blackpool, and his form turned him into hot property. Derby might not be living up to their pre-season billing, but they are still a big club with top players for the level, which should give Mubama the chance to shine if the move comes off.
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