According to Nottingham Post, Ipswich manager Paul Hurst is playing hardball over the possible sale of Martyn Waghorn. Nottingham Forest, Derby County and Middlesbrough have shown interest in the ex-Rangers striker but when asked if there were any bids, Hurst said: “I’m not going to say right now that ‘he’s not going anywhere’ but it will take a helluva lot of money and I don’t know if anyone is going to be willing to do that.”
Waghorn enjoyed two productive seasons at Ibrox, scoring 44 goals in all competitions for Rangers. The left-footed 28-year-old has one more year on his current deal at Ipswich Town. Waghorn scored 16 goals and assisted 11 more in 44 Championship appearances for the Tractor Boys, since his arrival from Rangers in the summer of 2017.
Although he mainly plays as a centre-forward, Waghorn can also play on either wing. The former England U21 international has scored 49 goals and provided 34 assists from 211 Championship appearances so far.
With a deal for Waghorn looking unlikely at the moment, here are three alternatives Nottingham Forest should consider.
No player fits Martyn Waghorn’s profile like Danny Ward. After all, the Cardiff star is a left-footed centre-forward, who can also play out on either wing. The 27-year-old striker has two years left on his current deal at Cardiff City. Ward was restricted by a knee injury to just 18 appearances last season, as he scored a measly four goals.
Ward has 192 Championship appearances to his name, scoring 34 goals and assisting 28. The player has ample experience in the second-tier competition, making him a great choice.
Jutkiewicz is a specialist centre-forward. The 29-year-old has two years left on his current deal. The left-footed striker managed 5 goals and an assist in 35 Championship appearances last season. The Southampton-born striker has played 232 Championship matches so far, scoring 52 goals and providing 17 assists. He averages a goal every 305 minutes of action and has also tasted Premier League football. Jutkiewicz might not be able to play out wide but be could be a solid alternative to Waghorn.
Gregory is another specialist centre-forward who signed for Millwall from Halifax in the summer of 2014. The 29-year-old striker netted 10 goals and provided 4 assists in 43 appearances for Millwall last season. His contract expires next summer.
Gregory has chipped in with 18 goals and 7 assists in 82 Championship appearances so far. He averages a goal every 332 minutes on the pitch, making him another realistic alternative to Waghorn.
