Done Deal: Wilson joins Derby on loan

Derby County have signed Manchester United striker James Wilson on a season-long loan, the club have confirmed on their official Twitter account:

Twitter: BREAKING: #DCFC agree deal to sign @ManUtd’s James Wilson on a season-long loan: https://t.co/fNbtqHhvYZ ? #dcfcfans https://t.co/CkIYXVUBhS (@dcfcofficial)

Wilson made his debut for United under the management of Ryan Giggs, scoring two goals on debut against Hull City in May 2014 and remained a part of Louis van Gaal’s senior squad during the Dutchman’s two seasons in charge.

However, chances have come few and far between for the Staffordshire-born striker and last season, Wilson was sent on loan to Championship side Brighton and Hove Albion, where he scored five goals in 28 appearances as Chris Hughton’s side made the play-off semi-finals.

With the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford ahead of him in the pecking order, Wilson was deemed surplus to requirements by José Mourinho and this loan move will undoubtedly help further his development.

Derby manager Nigel Pearson hoped that the move would be beneficial to both parties:

We’re delighted to have agreed to bring James Wilson the club on a season-long loan.

I hope that this loan deal will prove to be mutually beneficial for all parties and I would like to place on record our thanks to Manchester United for allowing James to join us.

He is an energetic player who will add to our existing attacking options.