Derby County are reportedly targeting Brighton winger Tommy Watson as they look to bolster creativity in the final third ahead of the crucial second half of the Championship season.
The Rams are keen to add attacking reinforcements before the January transfer window closes, with Watson emerging as a top option for manager John Eustace.
The 24-year-old attacker, valued at around £10 million, has made 10 appearances for Brighton this season, including Premier League games, and scored in a 6-0 League Cup win over Oxford United at the start of the campaign.
Despite limited game time in the Premier League, Watson is highly rated for his pace, dribbling, and ability to create chances, and playing regular first-team football is seen as key to his continued development. This has put several Championship clubs on red alert.
Watson has experience at this level, having played a pivotal role in Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League. He scored in the play-off final as Regis Le Bris’ side defeated Sheffield United at Wembley, highlighting his ability to perform on big occasions.
That pedigree makes him an appealing target for Derby, who are looking for players capable of making an immediate impact in the promotion push.
Adding a winger to the squad is understood to be a high priority for the Rams. Corey Blackett-Taylor has struggled to regain his top form following injury and was sent out on loan to Bolton to get regular minutes.
Meanwhile, Rhian Brewster, who featured on the left-hand side in Derby’s recent clash with West Brom, failed to make a significant impact. With creativity and goals from wide areas lacking, Derby are searching for a player who can provide pace, directness, and an attacking spark to improve their final-third options.
While Derby are keen, they face competition for Watson’s signature. Millwall have now entered the race to sign the £10m-rated winger to aid their own promotion fight, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The Lions are understood to be eager to strengthen their attacking options for the second half of the season.
Stoke City, Preston North End, and Hull City are also reportedly monitoring Watson’s situation. Brighton are open to a loan move for the winger, offering the chance for him to gain regular first-team football while helping a Championship club push for promotion.
Negotiations are expected to involve multiple clubs, with Watson’s preference and Brighton’s desire to find the right environment for him likely to be key factors.
Brighton appear willing to consider a loan deal to give Watson the minutes he needs to continue developing, while managing squad depth in the Premier League.
Seagulls have a number of attacking options, which has limited Watson’s opportunities this season. A loan move would benefit all parties.
Brighton would continue his development whilst Derby or another club would gain an experienced Championship player, and Watson himself would receive the consistent game time he needs to reach his potential.
The January transfer window is now entering its final fortnight, and Derby will be hoping to move quickly if they are to land Watson. The Rams’ need for a creative winger, combined with Watson’s Championship experience and big-match pedigree, makes him an ideal candidate to join their promotion push.
However, the presence of Millwall and other interested clubs ensures that any deal will require swift negotiations.
As the transfer window continues, fans will be watching closely to see whether Derby can secure the Brighton winger and strengthen their squad for the vital run-in, while Watson himself looks set for a decision that could define the next stage of his career.
