Derby County are in the middle of a busy summer transfer window, which may be about to hit the next level.
The Rams are preparing for life in the Championship, with Paul Warne adding some key players to his squad for the season ahead.
Ben Osborn, Kayden Jackson, Jerry Yates and Kenzo Goudmijn have all committed to the cause, but plenty more business is expected.
Next in line appears to be Ebou Adams as reports claim that Derby have agreed a deal with Cardiff for a permanent transfer.
The 28-year-old initially joined the Rams on loan in January 2024, looking to gain minutes after an injury derailed his time with the Bluebirds.
Adams instantly won the hearts of the Pride Park faithful, featuring 17 times with an intensity that helped guide the team towards promotion.
That naturally led to calls for a permanent transfer, something that appears all but complete at this stage.
- READ MORE: Derby County confirmed signings, transfer ins and outs, loans and releases for 2024 summer window
Ebou Adams shirt number at Derby County
With a permanent deal potentially around the corner, attention could well turn to some formalities that come with joining the club.
One decision Adams will have is over his shirt number for the coming season and potentially beyond that.
In his loan spell, the Gambian international wore the number 32, which was the first time he had done so in his career.
That option is still free, should the 28-year-old wish to make it his own, but there are several other iconic numbers that are available.
The number four, last worn by club captain Conor Hourihane before his exit, is vacant while the number eight – formerly of Max Bird and Mason Mount – is also free.
Ten is the final first-team number that is currently available, but there are plenty of others outside of the usual 11 that can be picked.
In his career so far, Adams has worn a plethora of options, with eight at Forest Green Rovers and 18 at Cardiff City being his two most recent.
Currently available squad numbers: 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17-19, 21, 25, 28-30, 32, 33, 36-99.
Derby County midfield rebuild
This summer was always going to be littered with challenges for Derby as they stepped up from the third tier back to the second tier.
With more quality required across the board, perhaps the most important rework was required in the midfield department.
Exits for Bird, Hourihane, Korey Smith and Louie Sibley, the central ranks for Warne were depleted.
However, the additions of Osborn, Goudmijn and potentially Adams now add a healthy balance to the spritely energy brought by Liam Thompson.
While attention may turn to another option or two in the final third, the large rebuild in the midfield ranks has already taken place and gives the Derby manager a better base to work with in pre-season.