The Rams have resumed their pursuit of a Nottingham Magpie while the Newcastle Magpies are being rumoured as another possible suitor for Kris Commons.

A Magpie To Become A Ram?

Before the season begun Nigel Clough had his sites set on Ben Davies of Notts County. An agreement stalled when Derby, as is to often the case, balked at the price tag.

Reports have been flooding in that the club have once again opened talks with a price tag in the vicinity of £250,000 being touted as the least it will take for Davies to swap the black and white for the… umm… black and white.

Many are suggesting that he would be a ready made replacement for Robbie Savage if he does decide to take up an offer in the MLS.

It is probably more a case of the timing being a coincidence as he is a player that Clough has wanted for a while and with recent pressure mounting on the board, perhaps now they are finally making some funds available for their manager.

Having made over 320 career appearances he has appeared for the Magpies 54 times to date he has scored an impressive 20 times including 4 this season. Davies joined Notts from Shrewsbury in 2009 and has been in good form again this campaign after starring last season as the club won promotion from League 2.

The club have suffered financial difficulties in recent times and although a prize asset on the field, County may find it hard to resist a good offer from Derby even though he still has over a year left on his current contract.

Nigel Clough confirmed the Rams continuing interest but as usual gave little away:

"It's no secret we have been interested in him in the last six months and with the window being open it is something we are going to try to pursue." 

“Talks are ongoing but there has been no official bid. Figures have been mentioned, if you class that as a bid."

Although having never been tested at Championship level few would disagree that Davies has the experience and talent not to make some sort of impact should he do so with the Rams.

Nigel Clough obviously believes so as he continues to return to court the player. Perhaps now the board seem willing to supply flowers and candy, perhaps Notts County will finally submit and allow Davies the move.

Paul Ince has been reportedly upset by the Rams confirming their interest in Davies without officially tabling a bid, while the player in question recently stated he was more than happy to stay at Notts County:

"I have got another year-and-a-half on my contract so I expect to be here until the end of that, unless I'm told any differently, I absolutely love it here, I'm the happiest I have ever been in my career."

"I don't really want to go anywhere." 

What else can the boy say!

Mind you... isn't Kris Commons saying the same...?

Another of Nigel’s lower league players hungry and desperate to prove himself?

Let’s hope so.

A Ram To Become A Magpie?

The latest rumour doing the rounds is that Newcastle United Football Club is lining up an offer for Kris Commons.

Considering contract negotiations are currently less than animated, perhaps it is ironic he could become a Toon.

Various reports have suggested that Alan Pardew would like to add some extra attacking options to his squad and Commons might be a bargain buy for the Toon.

Pardew has a small budget to spend and a small outlay in Premiership terms for Commons may prove to be the bargain he is looking for.

As Commons is the 2nd highest goal scorer in the Championship it is probably surprising there has not been more interest from the top flight, considering he rarely plays as an out and out striker.

Tom Glick has stated they are working hard to re-sign the attacker but there must be an ever present threat that a club desperate to avoid the drop may come in with a tempting offer.

We can only hope the situation is sorted out soon and his signature is dry on the dotted line before anyone swoops in (especially a Magpie) for the Rams star.

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls