Former Nottingham Forest loan striker Billy Sharp has been linked with a surprise move to the Reds' bitter East Midlands rivals, Derby County.
The 37-year-old is a free agent after being released by hometown club Sheffield United at the end of last season, following the Blades' promotion to the Premier League. He only scored three goals in 45 appearances last term, but 30 of those were off the bench, with the veteran scoring 15 in the previous campaign as United lost in the play-offs to Forest.
Sharp spent the 2012/13 season on loan at the City Ground when he bagged 11 goals in 40 appearances.
And according to The Sun's transfer expert, Alan Nixon, Derby are interested in signing him this summer, with Rotherham United, Hull City and Coventry City also said to be keen.
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The link may come as a surprise after comments made by Sharp about the Rams and his disdain for their fans.
"I wish I could play against them every week," he told SUTV after scoring a 90th minute winner against Derby two years ago.
"I think their fans were disrespectful to me today. I don't mind stick, but if they're going to give me that all game, they deserve that back. I'm delighted I scored against them because I don't like them."
And some Derby fans seem to have long memories, going from their posts on social media. Here is what they have been saying...
Shippo: If anyone thinks this bloke would come to us, they need talking too.. He hates us with a passion due to some of the fans.
Matt Taylor: Can remember hammering him for 90 minutes. Loved it.
Nick Gardiner: Seriously, how many times are we going to float this idea of Sharp? The guy detests Derby, so just leave it. He's a great player but you don't want people at the club that don't want to be here in the first place.
Scarborough Ram: To be fair, some of the ‘stick’ he received was well out of order. I don’t blame him for the reaction. I just can’t see him coming here at all. In my opinion, we’d be better pushing the boat out for a very good loanee than a 37 year old with a chip on his shoulder.
DwilliamG: No thanks, too old - and a bit mouthy at that!
Russ Pointon: He wouldn't want to come to us and I doubt many of our fans want him. Non-starter all round...
Dayko: A nope from me.
