Despite the transfer window closing for clubs across Europe last month, Derby County are reportedly already looking into the possibility of strengthening their squad in the summer.

According to Teamtalk, the Rams are thought to be interested in signing Perry Ng from Crewe Alexandra with Nottingham Forest, Birmingham City, Charlton Athletic and Bristol City also keeping tabs on the defender.

The report suggests that the 23-year-old could be allowed to leave Gresty Road this summer as he will be entering the final year of his contract with the League Two club.

Before Derby manager Phillip Cocu makes a definitive decision on Ng, he must consider both the positives and the negatives that signing the defender could have on the club's fortunes.

Keeping this in mind, we have set out TWO pros and TWO cons to the Rams sealing a deal for Ng based on his recent career exploits.

Check them out below...

Pros

He has been excellent for Crewe this season

One of Crewe's most consistent players this season, Ng has helped his side climb up to third in the League One standings.

As well as illustrating that he is more than capable of reading the game in a defensive sense, he has also provided a threat going forward which has resulted in him producing four assists for his team-mates.

If he is able to replicate these performance levels for Derby during the 2020/21 campaign, Ng may turn out to be a solid addition to Cocu's squad.

He could provide some added competition at full-back

Whilst Derby already have Jayden Bogle and Andre Wisdom at their disposal, Ng's arrival could provide some added competition at right-back.

Providing that the defender is able to hit the ground running at Pride Park, he may force this particular duo to step up to the mark which in turn may help the Rams achieve a great deal of success in the second-tier.

Cons

He has no previous experience of Championship football

A product of Crewe's academy, Ng has never played at Championship level before during his career and thus will need to time to adapt to his new surroundings if the Rams opt to swoop for him in the summer.

Given just how competitive the second-tier is, the defender may struggle to cope in this particular division as he has played the majority of his football in League Two for the Railywaymen.

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Therefore, the Rams may find it beneficial to steer clear of signing Ng if they have doubts surrounding his suitability for the Championship.

He may not be an upgrade on Derby's existing options

Whilst Wisdom has been used predominately as a central defender in recent weeks by Cocu, he is more than capable of playing in the right-back role which is currently occupied by Bogle.

When you consider that both of these players have a vast amount of experience at Championship level, it could be argued that Ng may be forced to watch on from the sidelines if he opts to join the Rams.

Therefore, for the sake of the defender's development, he ought to consider moving to a club who can guarantee him first-team football next season.