Paul Warne rules out Derby County transfer after Sheffield Wednesday enquiry

Paul Warne has effectively ruled out a move for Sheffield Wednesday striker Michael Smith but admitted to enquiring about the striker last January.

Smith has been consistently linked with a move to Derby County since Warne was appointed head coach in September 2022 given the success they enjoyed while the pair were at Rotherham. But a move has never materialised despite the fact that Smith's future at Hillsborough had looked uncertain before Danny Rohl's arrival.

Wrexham had also been linked with the forward who scored a stunning goal the other week against Portsmouth and Derby will assess their striking options again when the window opens in the New Year.

Warne said he did make enquiries about Smith last January and asked at a fans' forum last night how close a move was and whether he would fit into his current squad, he said: "In every window, he has been under discussion.

"He was a centre forward I managed and I loved. He was really good, he led the line and worked really hard. Last January I spoke to the Sheffield Wednesday manager just to cut the tripe out a little bit and he was somebody he was not looking to loan out or release.

"I didn't speak to Sheffield Wednesday this summer and I don't intend to in the next window either. He is firmly in their plans and I am not one who wants to pull people away from clubs and cause hassle. The manager said he is not available until I am told differently. I have had Smudge before and I did see his wondergoal. I never saw him do that for me.

"He is a good player but respectfully there are other players out there who potentially could do the same job who might be younger. But if Smudge comes at the top of our transfer targets again it is something I would revisit. But as politically correct as I can be with my answer, he is not someone I looking to bring back to my family."

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