Derby County are reportedly looking into the possibility of signing Genki Haraguchi on a season-long loan deal from Hannover 96, reports Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports News.

Philip Cocu is apparently looking to strengthen his creative options on deadline day and the 28-year-old has emerged as a possible option, although Thomas says that he is not the Rams' preferred option.

Watford are also interested in bringing in the Japan international, who scored against Belgium at the 2018 World Cup,  meaning Derby could have a fight on their hands to land the attacker ahead of the Premier League side.

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Last season saw him rack-up four assists in 28 games for the German side as they were relegated to the second tier of German football.

If he were to arrive he would become the fifth signing of Cocu's reign at Pride Park, following Graeme Shinnie, Kieran Dowell, Krystian Bielik and Matt Clarke into the club.

This week has also seen Derby complete a deal that will see Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney join the club on an 18-month deal, although it is not expected to commence until January.

The verdict

I think Derby can do much better here.

Dowell looks like he will be a really solid addition for the Rams but remains relatively unproven at this level so could do with some genuine competition to push him on.

Four assists last season does not portray somebody who would be capable of doing that in what is one of Europe's most intense leagues.

I would say look for somebody more proven in England but come back to him if struggling.