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 will be hoping to make the perfect start to life under the guidance of their new manager Paul Warne when they face Cambridge United on Saturday.
Ahead of this particular fixture, the Rams have emerged as potential suitors for a player who has excelled in League Two during the opening stages of the 2022/23 campaign.
As revealed exclusively by Football League World, Derby are one of a number of sides who are currently keeping tabs on Northampton Town attacker Sam Hoskins.
Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and Barnsley have also been linked with a potential move in the January transfer window.
Hoskins has been prolific in a Cobblers shirt this season.
During the 10 league games that he has participated in, the 29-year-old has managed to find the back of the net on 11 occasions.
Here, we have decided to take a look at whether Hoskins would be a good signing for the club.
Check out the thoughts of our FLW writers below...
Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson
"It would only be right for a club in Derby’s position as a League One outfit at present to be keeping an eye on some of the best talents in the EFL.
"As such, it makes complete sense that the Rams are keeping tabs on Sam Hoskins.
"The Cobblers’ number seven is having himself a fine season so far, scoring an impressive 11 league goals in 10 league two appearances, as well as laying on a single assist.
"This is no fluke either, having scored 14 goals and registered seven assists for Northampton Town last season.
"Turning 30 in February, Hoskins is not exactly one for the long-term and the future, but as someone who could potentially come in in January and make an immediate impact for the Rams, you could see it happening.
"There is plenty of interest in Hoskins though, so Derby may have their work cut out in trying to secure this one."
Chris Gallagher
"This would be a decent signing.
"The form that he has shown this season is exceptional and you would expect Hoskins to be able to handle the step up to League One without much problem.
"Admittedly, his record in the third tier previously isn't too impressive, however Hoskins has certainly improved a lot recently.
"However, this would only be a signing for the short-term as Hoskins is 29 and there would be doubts over his ability to play in the Championship.
"But, Derby's aims in January will be about winning promotion and if they can land Hoskins he will certainly help on that front."
Josh Cole
"Currently playing the best football of his career at Sixfields Stadium, it is hardly a surprise that Hoskins is attracting a great deal of interest from elsewhere.
"With Derby aiming to secure an immediate return to the Championship next year, they ought to be looking to bolster their attacking options in the upcoming window and thus the Northampton man could fit the bill.
"When you consider that Hoskins has played 124 games in League One, there is every chance that he will hit the ground running at this level if he leaves the Cobblers.
"However, given that Hoskins' current deal is set to run until 2024, Northampton will not be in a rush to sell him in January and thus it may take a major offer from Derby to test their resolve."