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 has decided a goalkeeper is a priority before the transfer window closes, with the Rams considering a late move for Northampton Town keeper David Cornell, according to a report by Football Insider.

The Rams though, will not have things their own way with Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town both considering moves for the 28-year-old, who has made 86 appearances since arriving at the Cobblers in 2016 after he left Oldham Athletic.

So would Cornell be a good signing for the Rams and is he actually needed?

We discuss.........

Jordan Rushworth

“Derby have had their issues in the goalkeeping department throughout the season, with Kelle Roos starting the campaign as the club’s number one keeper before losing his place after a number of costly individual errors saw him lose the confidence of Phillip Cocu.

“Ben Hamer has come into the side and somewhat added a more calming and reliable presence in goal for the Rams, but the keeper is only at Pride Park on a loan from Huddersfield Town, which would see him leave the club at the end of the campaign.

“That suggests a move for a potential new long-term first choice keeper would be a wise option for the Rams before the transfer window closes, and Cornell could be a decent option to consider given he has been delivering some strong performances for Northampton over the last few seasons.

“However, taking a goalkeeper straight out of League Two and looking for them to come straight into the side and perform consistently would be a risk for the Rams, although the 28-year-old does have some experience under his belt and would arrive full of belief in his own abilities.”

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Ben Lang

"Cornell has enjoyed a solid season between the sticks for Northampton this term, but i'm not sure he's someone that Derby should be looking to add to their goalkeeping options at the moment.

"The Rams already have Ben Hamer and Kelle Roos among their goalkeeping options, and I think they should only be looking to sign someone who could overtake these two in order to claim the number-one spot.

"The fact Cornell has never played regular football at Championship level suggests to me that he would be a back-up option, and I think Phillip Cocu should be aiming slightly higher in order to genuinely improve the squad.

"This may be one for Derby to re-visit in the summer once Cornell has completed the season with Northampton, while the Rams could then undertake a full re-assessment of their goalkeeping department with Cornell set to be available on a free."

Kris Smith

“Derby are in need of a goalkeeper with the poor form of their current crop causing problems each week, however, I’m not convinced Cornell would be the answer.

“Cornell is currently plying his trade in League Two with Northampton and has never played regularly played higher than League One, so a jump to the Championship might be risky.

“Cornell is doing very well at Northampton but it’s very hard to translate that to a team two divisions above, especially with Derby struggling more in comparison to his current team, meaning he’ll have more to do.

“The Rams could do with a ‘keeper coming in and this signing wouldn’t surprise me, but I think they need to look elsewhere to bring a player in with more assured Championship quality.”