Serdar ‘staying put’ after links with Derby, Reds
REPORTED Derby County and Nottingham Forest target Serdar Dursun looked as though he was staying in Germany, as the Burton Mail went to press last night.
It was the international transfer window deadline at 11pm last night.
The Rams reportedly had a bid rejected for the Darmstadt striker amid speculation that the Reds were also weighing up a move for the player dubbed “The Tank”.
But reports in Germany said the 28-year-old Turkish forward will now be staying put, despite attracting a string of admirers in the transfer window.
It was claimed that Derby had been unable to meet the forward’s asking price, having made their move following his excellent form in the Bundesliga for Darmstadt.
According to German publication Bild, Dursun has travelled with the Darmstadt squad for the Bundesliga 2 clash away to Nuremberg.
Dursun, who is yet to score in three appearances this season, wants another strong campaign as he looks to secure a spot in his country’s squad for next year’s European Championships.
He has been top scorer in the past two seasons for Darmstadt in Bundesliga 2 and is in the final year of his contract.
DERBY County boss Phillip Cocu was delighted he waited a few seconds before substituting skipper Wayne Rooney in Saturday’s Championship clash against Norwich City at Carrow Road.
Jack Marriott was waiting to replace Rooney when Derby won a free kick in the 87th minute.
Rooney stepped up and curled the ball beyond Tim Krul’s dive to give the Rams a 1-0 victory and a muchneeded first League win of the season.
It is the third time Rooney has scored direct from a free kick for Derby, having done so against Stoke City and Preston North End last season.
“I spoke to the fourth official and said ‘let’s wait a bit after this free kick!’,” Cocu said when asked about how close Rooney was to coming off before his winning contribution.
“You know a set piece can decide a game and when the free kick was given, this could be the moment to get a goal.
“It is easier said than done but our captain felt it was a big moment and he delivered – and that is why he is still a quality player.
“Wayne worked hard, he made a lot of runs in behind.
“When the energy is out, a fresh player comes on.
“We are a team and Jack is also an important part of the team.