Rams boss Clough targets Zola

Derby boss Nigel Clough is weighing up a January move for Crewe frontman Calvin Zola.

Clough has been keeping tabs on the player and he was a spectator at Valley Parade on Saturday as Zola blasted two goals in Crewe’s 3-2 success over Bradford City to improve their League Two odds.

Zola was a livewire all afternoon and Clough cannot have failed to have been impressed by the Zaire-born hitman.

The 24-year-old hammered home a superb half-volley from an almost impossible angle to put Dario Gradi’s men ahead before rattling home a 20-yard shot after some hesitant Bradford defending to take his season’s tally to nine goals.

Clough is chasing more firepower for his Championship side – who have netted 15 times in 11 league games – and he sees Zola as the man who can add a new dimension to his Pride Park squad.

The Rams boss is an admirer of Zola’s pace and trickery and will try and test the resolve of the League Two outfit with a £750,000 bid.

Crewe are desperate to keep hold of the former Newcastle starlet although a bid closer to £1million might prove too good to refuse.

The six foot three inch striker joined the Alex from Tranmere for £200,000 in the summer of 2008 and he has adapted to life in the bottom tier of English football with aplomb.

Zola has never been a prolific striker, but he has worked hard over the summer and already he seems to be reaping the benefit after his early season goal glut.