Football League World can exclusively disclose that Portsmouth and Oxford United are monitoring Derby County’s Joe Ward in advance of the January transfer window.
The right-back has found minutes difficult to come by since the Rams won promotion from League One last season, and the two sides that joined them in the Championship from the third tier have taken an interest in the 29-year-old.
Ward joined Derby in the summer of 2023 after his contract at Peterborough United expired, and he has made 33 appearances in that time, with only six of them coming this season.
Oxford and Portsmouth keeping a keen eye on Ward’s situation With the January transfer window opening in less than two weeks’ time, both Oxford and Portsmouth are looking to change their fortunes and fight against relegation after a difficult start to life back in the Championship.
The U’s recently sacked Des Buckingham following a run of just one win in 15 games, and are looking out at Ward’s situation as he could help fill in at right-back.
Conversely, Pompey has struggled with injuries all season long, and they have been particularly badly beaten defensively.
Last Friday’s 4-0 loss to Derby at Pride Park was the result of John Mousinho’s usage of a makeshift back four. Since the right-back did not come off the bench that evening, he will be hopeful that he can help them.
Ward’s Derby game time may be further hampered by Ryan Nyambe’s update. Ward has only started twice for the Rams in 2024–25, most recently in their 0-0 draw with Burnley.
Both Ryan Nyambe and Kane Wilson’s performances have made it difficult for him to fit into Warne’s plans; instead, he has
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