With the January transfer window now open, Derby County are looking to invest as they push for promotion this season.
Despite a poor start to the season, Derby County have been back in the promotion race ever since the return of former boss, Steve McClaren. The former Newcastle manager has sparked new life into some of Derby County’s expensive and under-performing players, and reinvigorated their chances of Premier League football next season.
However, with injuries to important players such as Cyrus Christie and George Thorne, as well as the ever present danger of suspensions and more injuries, the Rams are likely to strengthen their squad in this January window. In his previous spell at the club, McClaren worked wonders in the loan market in January, bringing in players such as Patrick Bamford and George Thorne, who helped Derby to a third place finish.
With this in mind, we’ve taken a look at three key areas Derby are likely to buy players for this month.
Derby manager Steve McClaren
An Attacking Midfielder
After moving Derby back to a 4-3-3, Steve McClaren has managed to turn the Rams’ fortunes around this season. Using Bradley Johnson in the ‘controller’ role, sitting in front of the back four, has allowed midfielders Will Hughes and Jacob Butterfield more of a chance to play further forward. However, as Butterfield and Hughes flourish more as playmakers, Derby are in need of a goal-scoring threat from midfield. Recent reports have linked Derby with a move for Nottingham Forest captain (Mail), Henri Lansbury, who it is believed would play in this role for the Rams. But will the club be able to prize him away from their greatest rivals?
Nottingham Forest’s Henri Lansbury
A New Winger
In the 4-3-3, the Rams rely heavily on producing goals with their wide players. Since the Mac’s return, winger Tom Ince has rediscovered his scoring form, but the same cannot be said for Derby’s other wide players. With Johnny Russell struggling to find his shooting boots, and an injury to Nick Blackman, the Rams will certainly be looking to add in this position, and have already been linked heavily with a move for Crystal Palace winger, Bakary Sako (Mail).
Bakary Sako whilst playing for his former club, Wolves
A New Striker
Many Derby fans are still perplexed at former manager Nigel Pearson’s decision to loan out top scorer Chris Martin to Fulham at the beginning of the season. Despite bringing in Matej Vydra, the Rams have struggled for goals from their striking areas, and it is now being reported that the Rams are keen to bring Martin back from his loan at Fulham. If this proves to be impossible, which it may be due to the nature of the loan deal at the beginning of the season, then the Rams are likely to look for other striking options. As well as being linked with Middlesbrough striker, Jordan Rhodes, by the Derby Telegraph, the Rams have also been looking at Grimsby Town forward, Omar Bogle, according to sources at HITC.
Omar Bogle celebrates with teammates after scoring the second goal for Grimsby
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