Derby County are believed to be one of several Championship clubs monitoring in-form Aberdeen striker Sam Cosgrove ahead of a potential January move.

The 22-year-old has been outstanding for the Dons this season, scoring 15 goals in 17 games so far for Derek McInnes' men both domestically and when they were in Europe.

As well as that, he has impressed with his ability to link play and his physicality always makes him a threat.

And, that form hasn't gone unnoticed, with TEAMtalk revealing that Brentford, Charlton and Middlesbrough will rival the Rams for the player who could be available for under £2m.

Here we look at THREE reasons why Derby must do all they can to see off those sides to land Cosgrove...

They are struggling to score goals

Firstly, and most importantly, Derby are struggling to score goals right now.

They have netted 16 times in 14 Championship games, which is just not good enough for a side that will have had ambitions of reaching the play-offs.

So, identifying a goalscorer in the New Year has to be a priority and even though some are dismissive of Scottish football, Cosgrove has shown he can find the back of the net.

He is a relatively cheap option

As well as that, the report states that he will be available for under £2m, which is a very small outlay for a Championship side in today's game.

At that price he is worth the risk and if he does adapt quickly to the second-tier then he will be seen as a real bargain.

His best years are in front of him

Finally, at 22-years-old, the Rams would be getting someone who has their best years in front of them.

Again, if Cosgrove did settle to life in the east Midlands they would be getting a player who could lead the line for the next decade or so and they need to be making signings with the long-term in mind.