Derby County are interested in signing former Blackburn Rovers striker Colin Kazim-Richards before the transfer window closes on Friday, according to the Daily Mail.

Derby are on the lookout for a new striker, with a move for West Bromwich Albion's Charlie Austin now looking unlikely according to Tom Barclay of The Sun.

Phillip Cocu will be eager to bolster his side's attacking options before the transfer window closes, having bid farewell to Chris Martin at the end of last season upon the expiry of his contract.

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Derby have now been linked with the surprise signing of Colin Kazim-Richards, who is widely known in England for his spells at Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United.

Kazim-Richards, who has also played for the likes of Olympiacos, Galatasaray and Celtic, scored five goals in 31 games for Rovers during his spell at Ewood Park.

The 34-year-old has also scored two goals in 37 appearances for the Turkish national side, and most recently played in Mexico for Liga MX side CF Pachuca, scoring six goals in 16 games for the club.

It is now believed that Kazim-Richards is now searching for a new club and is available to sign on a free transfer, with Derby considering a late move for the Turkey international.

The Verdict

This would be a rather surprising transfer move.

Kazim-Richards is a well-known striker, but he's never really been prolific in his career and I'd doubt whether he'd be able to cut it in the Championship.

He's a strong, powerful centre-forward who is approaching the latter stages of his career, so maybe on a short-term deal it could be a good move.