Derby County set to sign ex-Ipswich Town striker | OneFootball

Striker Kayden Jackson is set to join Derby County after his release by Ipswich Town.

Derby County are reportedly set to sign former Ipswich Town striker Kayden Jackson.

That's according to Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas, who claims that Jackson will sign a three-year deal at Pride Park once his contract at Ipswich officially expires this weekend.

Jackson joined the Tractor Boys from Accrington Stanley in the summer of 2018, but he was released this summer after six years at Portman Road following the club's promotion to the Premier League.

The 30-year-old endured mixed fortunes during his time with Ipswich, but he was an important part of the squad that achieved back-to-back promotions from League One to the top flight in the last two seasons.

Jackson mainly featured as a substitute last season, but he still scored three goals and five assists in 33 appearances to help the Tractor Boys return to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.

Derby are yet to bring in any new additions this summer, but they are set to sign Sheffield United midfielder Ben Osborn and Swansea City striker Jerry Yates, and it seems that Jackson will also be joining the Rams as they prepare for life back in the Championship.

Derby County set to sign Kayden Jackson

There have been a number of departures at Pride Park this summer as manager Paul Warne rebuilds his squad for the Championship, including senior players such as Joe Wildsmith, Scott Loach, Conor Houirhane, Korey Smith, Martyn Waghorn and Dwight Gayle.

Those exits mean that Derby need to strengthen this summer, and with two proven Championship performers on the way in Osborn and Yates, the Rams are adding another player with excellent second tier experience in Jackson.

Jackson may not have been a regular starter for Ipswich in recent years, but he was a useful option to have in the squad with his ability to play out wide or up front, and manager Kieran McKenna said that "players like him are really, really important to the group".

The striker was a firm fan favourite at Portman Road, and after his departure, he released an emotional statement reflecting on his long spell at the club.

"When I signed in 2018 I didn't know what was to come and, while it's certainly been a journey, I will always be extremely proud to have played for this brilliant club," Jackson said in a statement posted on the club's official X account.

"The last two seasons in particular have been truly special and being able to play a part in getting this club promoted from League One to the Premier League is something I will remember for the rest of my life.

"To end my time with the club on such a high, with a brilliant group of teammates and a manager who has always supported me, is something I'll always be proud of.

"Ipswich Town will always have a special place in my heart and I wish everyone well for the future."

Jackson will have been disappointed not to get the opportunity to play in the Premier League with the Tractor Boys, but he will not be without a club for long as he nears a move to Derby.

Imminent Kayden Jackson signing is a coup for Derby County

After his release by Ipswich, Jackson was one of the most attractive free agents on the market, and he would surely have been on the radar of a number of Championship clubs, so it is a big coup for Derby to bring him to Pride Park.

Jackson scored just 28 goals and provided 23 assists in 199 appearances for the Tractor Boys in six years, but while he is not a prolific scorer, his versatility and work rate make him a huge asset.

The Rams are in need of reinforcements in the forward areas this summer after the departures of Waghorn and Gayle, and crucially, Jackson is an upgrade on Warne's existing options.

With Osborn, Yates and Jackson all set to join the club, it is clear that Warne is targeting players with Championship experience, and all three will help Derby to be competitive on their return to the second tier after a two-year absence.