Despite signing a plethora of players during the summer transfer window, Derby County manager Phillip Cocu could be about to swoop for Luciano Acosta in January.
Speaking to Argentine radio station La Mano de Dios, the attacking midfielder has revealed that he could open to a permanent move to the Rams which will see him join up with former team-mate Wayne Rooney.
Acosta, whose current deal at DC United is set to expire in December, played alongside the 34-year-old in the MLS last season.
Before the Rams make a definitive decision on the 25-year-old, they must first consider both the positives and the negatives that signing him would have on their fortunes in the Championship.
Keeping this in mind, we have set two pros and two cons to Derby sealing a deal for Acosta based on his career to date.
Check them out below...
Pros
He could add some much-needed competition for Tom Lawrence
Derby's top-scorer this season in all competitions, Tom Lawrence has illustrated some real signs of promise in recent weeks.
Having already found the back of the net on five occasions, the winger will be determined to push on over the coming months in the Championship.
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However, it could be argued that by signing Acosta, the Rams could force Lawrence to take his game to new heights as he will finally have some serious competition in his position.
He may end up thriving under the management of Cocu
Whilst it is fair to say that Cocu has not experienced the best of starts at Derby since his appointment in July, he may be the ideal man to help Acosta adjust to life in England.
Having illustrated a willingness to play open, attacking football during his time in charge of PSV Eindhoven, the Dutchman could allow the midfielder to express himself whilst playing for the Rams.
Providing that he can hit the ground running at Pride Park, Acosta may end up helping Derby achieve a relative amount of success in the second-tier.
Cons
He has no previous experience of English football
Considering that the second-tier can be a very unforgiving place for players who have never played in it before, Acosta may struggle to cope with the competitiveness on show.
Although the quality in the MLS is improving year-on-year, it could be argued that it is no match for the Championship and thus the midfielder will need to make a number of alterations to his game.
If he cannot adjust, Acosta may end up being cut adrift by Cocu who cannot afford to be carrying any passengers this season.
He struggled with consistency last season for DC United
Despite showing glimpses of his undoubted talent last season for DC United, Acosta only managed to provide eight goal contributions in 34 appearances.
Given that the former Boca Juniors man clearly struggles for consistency, it may be worth Derby steering clear of signing him in January.
If Cocu is looking to bolster his attacking options, he may find it more beneficial to sign someone who has a proven track-record at Championship level.