Derby County head into the final few weeks of the Championship having picked up just six points from a possible 36, leaving them four points above the drop zone.
Wycombe Wanderers, Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United are the current bottom three and each side can still finish above Derby come the end of the season.
Here, we look at three former Derby targets who could yet play a pivotal role:
Sam Cosgrove:
Derby face Birmingham City at Pride Park this weekend and one player who may have extra motivation to impress is Blues striker Sam Cosgrove.
According to the Evening Express, Derby were keen on Cosgrove last year.
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The former Everton youth man hit 47 goals over two seasons for Aberdeen, prompting plenty of interest with Birmingham winning the race for his signature in January.
Cosgrove has yet to make a league start for the Blues. However, with Scott Hogan injured, the 6ft 4inch striker may make his first start at Pride Park on Saturday.
Andre Ayew:
Derby face Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium in the penultimate fixture.
Ayew currently tops the Swans’ scoring charts with 15 Championship goals this season.
The 31-year-old has Premier League and international experience, and Football Ghana claimed former Rams boss Phillip Cocu wanted to sign him in August 2019.
Ayew ultimately stayed at Swansea, and he could have another crack at Premier League football with the Welsh club as Steve Cooper’s side currently hold a playoff place.
Freddie Ladapo:
Rotherham United striker Freddie Ladapo finishes the list, and he is arguably the most important as despite the Millers’ current position, safety is still in their hands.
Derby are four points clear of Rotherham. However, with two games in hand, Paul Warne’s side know they will be guaranteed of safety should they win their remaining games.
Ladapo is Rotherham’s second highest scorer with nine goals from 37 games.
The 28-year-old was interestingly linked with a move to Derby in January. Rotherham boss Warne later told The Star how a summer move to Pride Park could happen.
It would certainly be ironic if Ladapo fired Rotherham to safety at Derby’s expense.
Also see: £2m striker Derby wanted to sign could make first Blues start at Pride Park this weekend
Also see: DCN View: Rowett signing may have played last game for Derby after injury setback