Derby County are expected to be a very busy side in the upcoming transfer window as they attempt to make a few signings that can help them gatecrash the automatic promotion places.
The Rams, who are three points behind second-place Bolton Wanderers, will also need to address any potential outgoings.
With star centre-back Eirhan Cashin ‘almost certainly’ going to leave in January, acquiring a centre-back will be their top priority while fixing the lack of goals scored will be next on Paul Warne’s agenda.
Derby’s top scorer is James Collins, who has fired in seven goals in 22 appearances this term, but the Rams are craving someone with a clinical edge in the final third.
With the above glaring issues in mind, here are three players that Derby could sign in January…
Nelson Abbey (centre back)
In his breakout season in a struggling Reading side, who look nailed on to play League Two football next season, Nelson Abbey has been a rare beam of shining light.
The 20-year-old was named vice-captain of the Royals and despite his tender age, has shown experience and maturity beyond his years to marshall his back line.
If Derby were to tempt Reading with an offer for the talented central defender, amid Reading’s off-field issues, they’d be acquiring a ready-made replacement for Cashin, should he depart the club in January.
He also possesses the ability to play in a team fighting for promotion having averaged 6.7 ball recoveries, 4 clearances and 1 interception per game this term, as per Sofascore.
Shola Shoretire (winger)
Shola Shoretire’s development is currently stagnating at Manchester United.
With too many top players ahead of him, the 19-year-old needs to depart the club so he can play first-team football.
Although it would be an ambitious move for Derby to try to acquire the talented teenager on loan, it’s a signing that would fix their current problems on the right flank.
Warne is shoehorning Kane Wilson into a more advanced position, however, if they were to capture Shoretire, he could showcase his precocious talents in the third tier and help Derby win promotion.
Macaulay Langstaff (striker)
With Warne’s current striking options, Martyn Waghorn, Collins and Conor Washington, all above the age of 30, it’s a position that needs addressing.
And Macaulay Langstaff, who is scoring goals for fun in League Two for Notts County, could be the answer to that problem.
The 26-year-old has scored double the amount of Derby’s top scorer with 14 goals in 21 appearances this term and is approaching the prime years of his career.
If Derby were able to pull off an ambitious move, he would not only provide the firepower to aid their promotion bid, but also a long-term replacement for the above trio.