January could be a busy month for Derby County, with the rumour mill already starting to turn.
Derby County could be in store for a busy winter transfer window, it seems.
Already the Rams have been linked with a quartet of potential new players with as many being linked with moves away from Pride Park.
It comes after an upturn in form has seen Paul Warne‘s side win their last four to move up into the top six, with key performances Max Bird and Eiran Cashin attracting interest and stealing the transfer headlines.
Whilst their potential January exits remain to be seen, there are two current Derby players set to leave in the New Year; Tyreece John-Jules and Elliot Embleton both see their current loan deals expire in January.
Tyreece John-Jules and Elliot Embleton loans expire, says Leigh Curtis
Writing for Derbyshire Live, reporter Leigh Curtis has confirmed that loan duo John-Jules and Embleton see their current loan moves from Arsenal and Sunderland respectively, expire in January.
Embleton actually returned to parent club Sunderland earlier in the season after sustaining a serous thigh injury, whilst John-Jules recently returned to action after spending several weeks out, scoring with his first touch in the 1-0 win over Port Vale.
The 22-year-old has now featured three times in League One for Derby County, whilst midfielder Embleton made just the one league appearance for the Rams.
Derby County transfer priorities emerge – a midfielder needed?
Curtis had his say on John-Jules. Like many others would think, he states that John-Jules simply needs to avoid injury in order for Derby County to consider extending his stay, as he clearly showed vs Port Vale what he can bring to the side.
Embleton though looks unlikely to return and Curtis says that there’s now ‘scope’ to add to the midfield department, suggesting that a commanding, Graeme Shinnie-type midfielder could be an ideal addition.
Warne has previously said that loan moves are more likely than permanent ones in the upcoming January window and so it seems likely that Embleton could be replaced by another loan midfielder.
Expect the Rams to be looking at Premier League youngsters or Championship outcasts to bolster their side in January.
Names in similar situations to John-Jules could be ideal, and to Embleton too, with both players having previous experience but needing game-time, which could be readily-available at Pride Park in the second half of next season.
A hardened midfielder could be a key addition; Derby have a lot of technical ability in the middle of the park but not someone who can give them a bit of steel and a bit of bite, in what remains a very aggressive and physical League One division.
January will no doubt be key for Derby County as they eye promotion, though next up is a game vs Fleetwood Town in the EFL Trophy.