Exclusive: Oxford United and Portsmouth eyeing move for Derby County player
Since the Rams were promoted from League One last season, the right-back has struggled to get minutes, and the two teams that joined them in the Championship from the third division have shown interest in the 29-year-old.
After his contract with Peterborough United expired in the summer of 2023, Ward joined Derby. Since then, he has made 33 appearances, only six of which have come this season.
After a challenging start to life back in the Championship, Oxford and Portsmouth are both hoping to turn things around and avoid relegation when the January transfer market opens in less than two weeks.
The U’s are keeping an eye on Ward’s situation since he may potentially fill in at right-back. They just fired Des Buckingham after a record of just one victory in 15 games.
Conversely, Pompey has struggled with injuries all season long, and they have been particularly badly beaten defensively.
Last Friday’s 4-0 loss to Derby at Pride Park was the result of John Mousinho’s usage of a makeshift back four. Since the right-back did not come off the bench that evening, he will be hopeful that he can help them.
In 2024–25, Ward has only made two starts for the Rams, the most recent being in their 0-0 tie with Burnley. He has played for the club’s Under-21s instead of fitting into Warne’s plans due to the play of Ryan Nyambe and Kane Wilson.
Warne has trusted Wilson to take over the position, ignoring Nyambe, the former Peterborough star who has been sidelined since October due to injury.
Warne’s announcement that Nyambe is anticipated to return sooner than anticipated could be the last straw for the 29-year-old at Derby, who is already struggling to earn minutes. It could be better for him to move on in order to resume receiving regular playing time.
