Divin Mubama with his hat-trick ball in November.
Divin Mubama with his hat-trick ball in November.(Image: Mark Kerton/Shutterstock)
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Derby County are reportedly closing in on a move for Manchester City striker Divin Mubama as they look to bolster their attack for next season.
With Patrick Agyemang expected to be out until Christmas, Derby have been in the market for a centre forward with former Stoke man Mubama now believed to be heading towards Pride Park, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
Any move for Mubama is expected to be a loan deal with City eager to aid the 21-year-old's development after signing him from West Ham for £2m compensation in 2024.
The striker scored five goals in the Championship last season, including one against Derby on the opening day of last season when Mark Robins' side secured a 3-1 victory.
He also scored a hat-trick in a victory over Bristol City in November but his season was halted due to suffering ankle ligament damage in January.
He did return in March when he featured against Preston but that was his final appearance of the season. He has made nine appearances for City in the Premier League, but has yet to score.
He was a target for Stoke boo boys back in December at a time when things were tough for Stoke on the pitch after a promising start.
At the time, Stoke boss Mark Robins said: "He knows. What I would say is that he has to be better and understand what is required of him. Perceptions are everything really and you have to make sure that is right first.
“I understand, I’m not stupid, but I would ask that doesn’t happen because it doesn’t help anybody. If I feel that someone is not performing or underperforming then it is down to me to make sure they do or they don’t start. It’s as simple as that. You have to earn the right to be in the team.
“Players always pick the team. They always pick the team with their performances. I just ask them to be a little bit more forgiving and let me deal with the other stuff and not to boo. It’s not really what we want to be about.”
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Derby Telegraph's Derby County writer, Leigh Curtis
The transfer window is now open, the signings are being linked and players could be heading for the exit door at Pride Park as it promises to be a pre-season of change at the club.
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