Former England star Carlton Palmer feels that moving Joe Ward may be a profitable move for Derby County, despite interest from Championship rivals.
A source exclusively revealed last week that Portsmouth and Oxford United are interested in signing the 29-year-old in January, after Ward struggled for minutes at Pride Park in the early months of the season.
Ward has made just seven first-team appearances for the Rams this season, totaling 138 minutes of Championship action, and clubs are looking to sign him in January.
Derby, Portsmouth, and Oxford United were all promoted from League One this season and are fighting to stay in the division, but Palmer believes it would not be a risk if Paul Warne opted to sell to one of their direct competitors.
Carlton Palmer on transfer interest in Derby County’s Joe Ward
Palmer, who has 18 England caps, says that if Ward isn’t playing for Derby, it makes sense to unload him, and that they should view it as an opportunity to earn revenue rather than selling to a direct opponent.
Palmer told Football League World: “Oxford United and Portsmouth are keeping an eye on Derby County’s Joe Ward.”
“He’s under contract with Derby County for another two years, but he hasn’t been a regular starter for Paul Warne’s side, so it’s possible that Warne will let Ward leave.
“He has only made seven appearances in all competitions this season, and he is not a frequent starter. It’s a difficult decision, but letting Ward go would free up finances for Derby County to sign some new players.
“We know Paul Warne’s money is limited, and he’s not a regular starter, so it’s one of those situations where Oxford is around Derby’s league position, but as a manager, you can’t worry about that. If a player does not fit into your style and is not playing regular football, you can simply release him if you are short on finances.
“You don’t bother about where the player goes; you just let him go and then bring in the players you want to the football club.
“I don’t believe they will regret it. It would be good business for Derby County, freeing up space and bringing in the revenue they need.”
Selling Joe Ward in January makes sense for all parties
Ward’s time at Derby hasn’t quite gone to plan thanks to injuries and being unable to become a regular starter in Warne’s side, and they should part ways with him in January if the right offer comes in.
Ward wants to play on a regular basis, and joining Oxford United or Portsmouth would allow him to do so in the Championship without having to return to League One.
While there is a valid argument that selling to Oxford or Portsmouth strengthens a rival, keeping him at Pride Park is pointless if he isn’t going to play, and selling him would free up funds for Warne to sign the players he wants in January.
