Derby County have emerged as strong contenders to sign Jack Marriott this summer, despite the Peterborough United striker favouring a move to Nottingham Forest.

Peterborough are facing a summer of interest in Marriott, who has enjoyed a fine year in League One.

Barry Fry, Peterborough’s Director of Football, has revealed that Derby are interested in signing Marriott this summer and giving him a chance in the Sky Bet Championship, although the 23-year-old favours a move to the City Ground to link up with Aitor Karanka at Nottingham Forest.

He told the Peterborough Telegraph: “Jack does want to join Nottingham Forest. But Derby’s interest is recent and I would say they have a better chance of making us the right sort of offer.

“Forest say they are keen on Jack, but they have made no offer yet despite their manager (Karanka) being very friendly with our manager. They talk all the time and Jack is a regular subject.”

Marriott was amongst the most prolific forwards in the lower leagues last season, shining for Peterborough.

The 23-year-old bagged 33 goals across all competitions, including 27 in League One.

Ultimately, the forward’s goals weren’t enough to guide Peterborough into promotion contention, with Posh finishing ninth and short of the play-offs.

That failure to achieve promotion last season is likely to lead to Marriott’s exit this summer.

Peterborough are holding out for £6.5m for Marriott’s signature this summer, according to reports.

The Verdict  

Forest are certainly stalling in their approach for Marriott, despite the forward’s interest in making a move.

Derby entering the race to sign the 23-year-old might mean Forest make a move, but Marriott is all of a sudden presented with a number of exciting opportunities.

If it becomes a shootout between Derby and Forest in the race to sign the striker, it will be well worth watching.

Where will Marriott be playing his football next season? Let us know your thoughts!