Derby County could be active in the January transfer window after a busy summer.
Derby saw their first-team squad overhauled during the summer as they prepared for the challenge of Championship football, with plenty of incomings and outgoings.
Several names were released or made loan moves elsewhere, while 12 new players were brought to Pride Park.
With the January transfer window rapidly approaching, here we look at five names who could be moved on during the winter.
James Collins could leave Derby County in January
James Collins played a pivotal role in the Rams’ promotion-winning campaign last term, as the 33-year-old plundered 19 goals in all competitions, including 14 in League One.
Collins contract was set to expire in the summer but after a period of speculation, he signed a new one-year deal but hasn’t played much since.
Across five appearances in the second tier, Collins has played just a total of 124 minutes, with Jerry Yates preferred to lead the line for Derby.
With the Republic of Ireland striker set to depart on a free transfer in 2025, Paul Warne could weigh up his options in January, and perhaps shift him on.
Conor Washington
Washington is another striker who could be shifted on in the winter transfer window, especially since his contract expires next summer.
The Northern Ireland international has struggled since arriving in Derbyshire last year, namely due to injury troubles and a loss of form.
Washington made 19 appearances in the league last term and only scored three times, with the ‘quality’ forward yet to play a single minute in the Championship this season.
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Tyrese Fornah
Currently out on loan at Salford City, where he’s appeared eight times in League Two, Tyrese Fornah looks destined to leave the club.
Fornah – who was signed in League One – simply isn’t good enough to play second-tier football and has seemingly found his level at Salford.
With his deal also set to expire in 2025, his current club could look to sign the midfielder permanently, or another team may show an interest.
Joe Ward
Since completing his move from Peterborough United in 2023, Joe Ward has failed to hit the heights that were promised.
The fleet-footed winger – who can also play right-back – has made 30 appearances for Derby but injury has prevented it being more.
Last season, the 29-year-old recorded just four goal contributions in the third tier, and while he’s a talented player, he’s currently out of favour in the Championship, playing just 15 minutes of action.
Derby are protected by the fact Ward doesn’t see his contract expire till 2026 however, they could entertain offers for the Englishman in January.