DAVID McGOLDRICK is set to join Derby County ahead of Middlesbrough – because he feels the League One club will give him a better chance of playing regular first-team football.

McGoldrick attended Boro’s Rockliffe Park training ground at the end of last week to discuss a possible deal with the Teessiders.

The 34-year-old is a free agent following his release from Sheffield United at the end of last season, and having worked with him during his time at Bramall Lane, Chris Wilder was keen to offer the veteran striker a deal at the Riverside for next season.

However, it was also made clear that Boro are looking to bring in a number of other forwards this summer, with Wilder overseeing a major overhaul of the club’s attacking ranks.

McGoldrick is understood to have been concerned at a potential lack of playing time if he found himself as Boro’s third or fourth-choice striker, and he held alternative discussions with Derby at the start of this week.

The Rams are undergoing a major rebuilding job of their own following their relegation from the Championship last season, and McGoldrick is set to become their lead centre-forward as they attempt to bounce back from the third tier at the first time of asking.

While a deal has not yet been completed, the former Republic of Ireland international looks set to agree terms at Pride Park.

Boro remain in discussions over a number of different attacking targets, including Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle, Southampton forward Adam Armstrong and Coventry City’s Sweden international Viktor Gyokeres.