Sky Bet Championship outfit Derby County suffered a 3-0 reverse at Norwich City yesterday afternoon to deal the Rams a blow in the race for a play-off place.
Nelson Oliveira’s hat-trick consigned the East Midlands-based side to a moral sapping defeat, although there is still reason for the club’s supporters to be cheerful under the stewardship of recently re-appointed boss Steve McClaren.
Derby were defeated in the Play-Off Final under the former England manager during his previous tenure at the club, with the club’s supporters hoping that he can actually lead the Rams to the Premier League this time around.
With the current boss inheriting a squad put together at the start of the season by Nigel Pearson, it is likely that he will want to put his own mark back on his group of players during the current transfer window, with arrivals thought to be imminent.
Football League World writer Lee Clarke takes a look at three Premier League players who Derby should try and sign this January.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
The Chelsea youngster is likely to leave Stamford Bridge on loan during this month and with Derby searching for midfield reinforcements, he could be an ideal signing for the club.
Rams’ boss Steve McClaren has been known to take a chance on the country’s finest prospects previously and he could identify Loftus-Cheek as a player who can guide the club to promotion.
Kieran Trippier
The 26-year-old performed admirably for Tottenham Hotspur during the weekend’s win over Watford, but with Kyle Walker in competition for the right-back berth, it is likely to be a short lived stint in the side.
A loan move away from White Hart Lane would be ideal for the former Burnley man and he would relish the chance to play first-team football for Derby County.
With Cyrus Christie currently injured it means that the Rams have been left somewhat short on the right side of defence, and McClaren will undoubtedly be scouring the market for an addition to his squad.
Chuba Akpom
The Arsenal man has found first-team football hard to come by at the Gunners this season and he looks set for another Championship loan spell.
Derby are likely to be thwarted in their attempts to bring on loan talisman Chris Martin back to the East Midlands, so could be forced to look somewhere else for a striking addition.
Akpom could benefit from playing for a coach such as Steve McClaren and a loan stint at Derby could be beneficial for his career.
Derby County fans, would you welcome these three players at the club? Which other Premier League players should your club look to sign? Let us know in the comments below!!!