Derby County are far from done in the transfer window as Paul Warne eyes further signings ahead of their clash against Blackburn Rovers.
Derby were thrashed 4-0 by League Two side Chesterfield on Wednesday night but that disappointing result is unable to damage what has been a productive transfer window.
The Rams have signed six new players, the latest being highly-rated youngster David Ozoh, who arrived on a loan deal from Premier League side Crystal Palace.
Paul Warne has mainly addressed his midfield and attacking line with his recruits this summer, although he remains keen on landing a goalkeeper after a £1.4 million deal was agreed with Djurgardens for Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.
With only Josh Vickers currently to select from between the sticks following the departures of Joe Wildsmith and Scott Loach, a goalkeeper remains his priority, while the Derby boss is also looking at further signings before kicking off their season with a trip to Blackburn Rovers.
Paul Warne highlights Derby County transfer priorities
Warne has previously said that he wants to sign at least 10 new players ahead of the transfer deadline and his latest claim suggests that figure could be surpassed.
Following their defeat to Chesterfield, the Derby boss revealed that he’s currently looking at a new goalkeeper, a centre-back, an attacking midfielder, a striker and potentially a left-back.
He expects to have at least three new faces through the door before starting their Championship campaign against Blackburn Rovers.
Speaking to Derbyshire Live, the 51-year-old said: “I am looking for a 10 and maybe another nine, a centre-back and a goalkeeper. They are the ones really. Potentially I would be looking for a left-back.
“I know who I want. They are good players, but as I’ve said loads of times, you have to be a bit more patient for those. They are not free transfers. There are no free agents left really. They are predominantly loans and there is one free agent I am aware of but he’s too pricey at the moment. We are working really hard and I would have thought we would have three faces in before the opening game.”
Journalist Leigh Curtis has further the claim made by Warne as he states the Rams are looking at loan signings after landing Ozoh from Palace.
Derby can find further gems in the loan market
Ozoh, aged 19, looks a very promising player and will add serious strength and athleticism to Warne’s engine room.
The talented teenager is just a prime example of the signings that can be made on loan from Premier League sides as Derby aim to utilise the market to their advantage.
For instance, at striker, the Rams could look at Tottenham’s Will Lankshear, who scored 23 goals in Premier League 2 last term and is ready to make the step into senior football.
Likewise, a player linked with a move to Derbyshire previously was Liverpool’s Bobby Clark and as Warne is looking to sign another attacking midfielder, Clark should be firmly on their radar.
As for their defence, Derby should be looking at Manchester City’s centre-back Callum Doyle – who has been linked with Norwich City – to replace the injured Jake Rooney and take his place on the left of a back three.
It’s no surprise that Warne is looking at further loan signings in this window as there are plenty of talented youngsters who are desperate for regular minutes.