Derby County have joined the race to sign Sheffield United striker William Osula, according to reports in the last 24 hours. 

The Lowdown: Left out of midweek squad

The 19-year-old was omitted from Paul Heckingbottom’s matchday squad for the Blades’ 4-0 victory over Reading in midweek having been in the 18-man squad for their previous clash against Luton, which could suggest that a deadline day exit might be on the cards.

Several other League One clubs - including Rotherham United, Lincoln City, Burton Albion and Ipswich Town - have been credited with an interest, but it now appears that the Rams are attempting a late hijack in the final hours of the transfer window.

The Latest: Derby eye late Osula move

According to reliable journalist Alan Nixon (via Football League World) on Wednesday night, Derby are now ‘in the running’ to sign Osula, with Liam Rosenior ‘wanting two strikers’ before the transfer window slams shut at 11pm tonight.

It’s stated that the Rams manager would like a ‘more experienced figure’ to complement James Collins and David McGoldrick, but they are willing to ‘utilise the loan market’ to get a deal for the Blades starlet over the line.

The Verdict: Not enough experience

Osula is yet to feature for Sheffield United's first team this season, and whilst he might have plenty of potential judging by the widespread interest in him, this isn’t a deal that Derby should consider pursuing any further.

The Dane has only scored one goal throughout his career at senior and youth level, and it’s likely that he wouldn’t get as much game-time as he’d like with Rosenior seemingly chasing a senior forward to come in.

For someone who would likely be nothing more than a bench-warmer, there’s no point in the Rams cashing out, so they should instead focus their attention on an attacker who will be able to make a genuine impact on the starting XI every week.