Jack loan out is only change on quiet day
‘TARGETS’ WILSON, ZAHORE, CLARKE-SALTER JOIN DERBY RIVAL CLUBS
JACK Marriott has signed a oneyear extension to his contract at Derby County and has joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan.
The Rams have a recall clause in January.
But it was otherwise a quiet deadline day for Derby, with the only activity of interest to their supporters coming with news of apparent transfer targets going elsewhere.
The biggest blow those will have been the confirmation that Liverpool winger Harry Wilson has gone to Championship rivals Cardiff City on a season-long loan.
Wi lson remains a hugely popular figure at Derby, having spent the 2018-19 season on loan and finishing it as their top scorer. Manager Phillip Cocu wanted the 23-yearold Wales international back and the club made an inquiry with Liverpool.
So, too, did Nottingham Forest and Swansea City but it is Cardiff who won his signature and if reports that the Welsh club have of paid over £1m as a loan fee and will cover all of his £60,000 a week wages are true, it is hardly surprising Derby were unable to compete.
Kenneth Zahore was another name linked to the Rams this week, having hit a dead end in their pursuit of another West Bromwich Albion striker, Charlie Austin.
However, the 26-year-old Dane has gone to Millwall on loan until January.
It is a similar tale with Chelsea’s 23-year-old defender Jake Clarke- Salter, who has gone to Birmingham City for the season and was, according to the St Andrews club, “much sought-after by a number of sides.” Marriott endured a frustrating stop-start season last season and has been in and out of the starting 11 so far this season, although he has figured in all six matches.
He came off the bench in the last game, with skipper Wayne Rooney starting up front.
A run of regular first-team starts
could help Marriott regain the sharpness and form he displayed in his first season at Derby, following his move from Peterborough United.
Marriott’s contract at Derby was due to expire at the end of the season.
His departure leaves Derby with striker options in Rooney, Martyn Waghorn, Colin Kazim-Richards, Morgan Whittaker and Jahmal Hector-Ingram.
Waghorn, last season’s joint top scorer, is closing in on a return to action following a calf problem.
“I’m just relieved to be here and kick on now,” Marriott told Wednesday’s YouTube channel.
“It was probably earlier on in the week me and my agent heard of the interest and it was very appealing to me. I just want to be playing football, enjoying football, as any footballer does. I am just relieved it is done and I can focus now.”
Asked what attracted him to Wednesday, Marriott said: “The size of the club, the way that we play, there is an aura about the club. As soon as I found out they were interested, there was only one place I was coming.
“There are no issues fitness-wise, it’s not like I need a pre-season, I have played this season already.
“I want to score goals, I want to run in behind, just give my all for the team.
“You will see a lot of hard work, commitment, it’s just the way I want to play. I will always give my all and do my best for the team.”