Since Steve McClaren returned as Derby County’s manager in October the club have catapulted to touching distance of the Sky Bet Championship play-off places.

The Rams currently sit seventh in the table, trailing sixth placed Sheffield Wednesday by just two points.

David Nugent joined the club this week from Middlesbrough, adding to strong attacking options including Darren Bent and Tom Ince.

Derby face promotion contenders Leeds United on Friday night as they look to break into the play-off places.

The Rams face off against Jaap Stam's Reading FC on Saturday at Pride Park, in what is a major clash at the top of the Sky Bet Championship table.

Here at FLW, we take a look at THREE players Derby should sign to secure a play-off spot in 2017.....

 

Stewart Downing

Downing is another Middlesbrough player who the club are willing to let go for the remainder of the season.

Despite already hosting a strong attacking line-up, Derby could look to bring in experienced midfielder Downing, particularly with Tom Ince linked with an £8m move to Newcastle United.

The 32-year old was part of the Boro team promoted from the Championship last season, where he scored three goals and assisted five over the campaign.

Downing could prove to be an apt replacement for Ince, if he was to leave for Newcastle, as he has already proved himself at this level.

Henri Lansbury

 Lansbury has been one of the most talked about players this January, and the Rams have already had a £2.5m bid rejected.

Aston Villa are currently leading the race for the Nottingham Forest captain, but Derby are obviously in the market to strengthen their midfield options.

Derby should rival Villa’s bid for Lansbury as they look to secure a play-off spot in 2017.

Like Derby, Villa are looking to put pressure on the top six and seeing a rival secure the signing of such a talented player could affect Derby’s play-off hopes.

 

Matty Taylor

Perhaps a less obvious player for Derby to sign would be Bristol Rovers forward Matty Taylor.

Taylor has found the net 15 times this season for Rovers, who currently sit eighth in League One, and scored 28 goals in their promotion from League Two in 2015/16.

The Rams have struggled to score goals this season, scoring just 24 times in the league, and losing top scorer Ince would be a huge blow.

Signing a lower league forward like Taylor would be a risk, but the 26-year old has proven himself as a natural goal scorer.

Derby fans… where would you like to see your club strengthen this January? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!