This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Derby County are reportedly interested in a deal to sign AFC Wimbledon forward Joe Pigott according to TEAMtalk. 

The Rams have had a season to forget so far under the management of Phillip Cocu, as they currently sit bottom of the Championship table after the opening 11 matches of this year's campaign.

The club are clearly keen to add to their attacking options during the January transfer window, with Pigott being targeted as a player that could potentially strengthen their depth.

But the Rams face tough competition to land his signature, with both Birmingham City and Bristol City also believed to be keen on a deal to sign the forward.

The 26-year-old is out-of-contract at the end of this year's campaign, and it seems likely that his long-term future lies away from AFC Wimbledon.

But would Pigott be a good addition to the Derby County squad, and is he needed?

We discuss....

Sam Rourke: 

I can see the sense here.

For me, Derby County urgently need to address their striker situation in the January transfer window, and bolster their depth in that area.

Pigott could represent a really interesting option for the Rams, and could offer Derby an alternative dimension up-top that could prove very fruitful.

The 26-year-old is excelling at Wimbledon and offers you all the attributes you look for in a forward, he can finish, create chances for teammates and is effective in the air - his work off the ball is impressive also.

Derby need players who are going to show desire and hunger, and in my eyes, Pigott would surely relish the chance to play for a big club like Derby County in the Championship.

I doubt this deal would cost Derby a hefty amount of money either, so I can see why the Rams are keeping tabs.

Alfie Burns: 

Derby need to bolster their attacking options. They are laboured going forwards and a little bit too predictable in terms of how they transition in the final third.

Pigott has had a very good start to the season with AFC Wimbledon, scoring six goals and registering four assists in 11 appearances.

They are top numbers and although he’s lower down the EFL pyramid, he could really make an impact in the Championship.

My concern with Derby is that if Cocu is still around, would he use him? He had little faith in Jack Marriott, who followed a similar path to Pigott in his career.

Think you're a big Derby County fan? Can you score full marks in this 18-question Rams quiz? 

 

Jake Sanders: 

Now this would be an excellent signing for Derby.

Derby have only scored five goals all season, which is the worst record in the Championship - and of those came via the departed Jack Marriott.

Martyn Waghorn has started the campaign decently, scoring twice, but they desperately need a regular goalscorer.

Piggott's is relatively unproven in the Championship, but his impressive record in the second-tier in recent seasons suggests there's no reason he can't make the step up.

Whilst Derby would probably be hoping to aim higher, given their current situation, this would be a solid addition.