Derby County are under mounting pressure to get it right this season, after missing out on promotion back to the Championship at the first attempt.
Nothing is guaranteed just yet though, with the Rams sat on the very edge off the play-off spots in sixth place – only two points above Barnsley.
Derby County have lost a quarter of their matches in League One so far, though their brilliant defensive record has been a sight to behold so far.
However, Paul Warne‘s side face losing some star players during in the January transfer window that could really force a setback in their bid for promotion.
The likes of Eiran Cashin, Max Bird and Louie Sibley have already been linked with moves away from Pride Park, and Derby County would have to work very hard to bring in some quality replacements to ensure their form goes undisturbed.
Here are three Premier League youngsters that Derby County could bring in on loan next month…
Shola Shoretire
Shola Shoretire is very highly-rated at Manchester United, becoming their youngest player to make an appearance in a European competition back in 2021 at 17 years and 23 days – coming on as a substitute in a Europa League clash with Real Sociedad.
The teenager was also named the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year for the 2020-21 season, netting 10 goals for the U23 side.
The England U19 international joined Bolton Wanderers on loan last season, but it didn’t go quite as planned and he only managed to score once.
Shoretire has continued his impressive form for United’s youth side this season, bagging nine goal contributions in eight games.
Shoretire could now be given a second chance to prove himself out on loan and Derby County should look to enjoy the benefits of his talent.
Bobby Clark
Bobby Clark joined Liverpool’s academy for £1.5 million in 2021 and was named by BBC Sport as one of ‘five young English footballers to watch out for’ last summer.
The teenager made his Premier League debut last season but has mostly featured for the U21s this term, scoring twice and providing three assists in five games.
Clark got his chance to impress during pre-season, but it seems unlikely that he will see senior football too much this time round.
Derby County already looked to sign Clark on loan in the summer and perhaps could be more successful if they tried again in January.
Conor Coventry
Conor Coventry joined West Ham back in 2010, but only has a single Premier League appearance to his name.
Previously considered one of the Irons’ most exciting academy prospects, the midfielder has heaps of EFL experience after enjoying loan spells with Lincoln City, Peterborough United, MK Dons and Rotherham United.
West Ham now look to be preparing to release Coventry from his contract next summer, but Derby County could still look to snap him up on loan or on the cheap next month.