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 manager Phillip Cocu faces some stiff competition from a host of Championship sides in the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, according to a report on TEAMtalk.

The Rams are joined by an array of Championship sides in the race for the USA international, so a move away from Spurs is likely as the 21-year-old looks for more game-time.

So should the Rams push to sign Carter-Vickers? Is he needed?

We discuss........

George Harbey

“I’m not really sure that this is a player that Derby should be targeting before the summer transfer window slams shut on Thursday.

“The Rams have already added two very talented defenders to their ranks this summer, with Matt Clarke and Krystian Bielik adding competition to the likes of Richard Keogh in defence.

“Carter-Vickers has been impressive in the Championship before, but would he get a look-in at Pride Park at present? I doubt it.

“On a loan deal, it’s probably worth a shout, but I think Derby need to add some more attacking players to their squad above anything else.”

Alfie Burns

“I don’t think Derby need to be signing Carter-Vickers at all.

“Curtis Davies and Richard Keogh offer the Rams some experience at the back, whilst in Matt Clarke, the Rams have signed a great option at centre-back.

“Then, whilst Krystian Bielik will likely play midfield for the Rams, he has the ability to drop into the defensive unit for another options – so, where’s the room for Carter-Vickers?

“Cocu is going to have to carry a fairly trimmed squad, so unnecessary signings like this need to be swerved.”

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Gary Hutchinson

“He’s played 64 Championship matches for three clubs and is clearly a player who can hold his own at this level. He’s got to be looking at kicking on though, hasn’t he?

“This next move has got to give him the impetus to either force a way into the Spurs setup or, more likely, a move away on a permanent deal.

“Therefore he has to be with a side likely to challenge at the top of the table. Will that be Derby? It should be.

“He’s got everything a Championship side needs; he’s young but experienced, he’s got international honours and he needs to kick on as much as the team he moves to.

“Sounds perfect for Derby County to me.”