Derby County have been one of the most improved sides in the Championship in recent weeks and with Steve McClaren now at the helm, they're looking good to continue their promotion push after the New Year.

Wins against Birmingham, QPR, Nottingham Forest, Wigan and Norwich City have propelled the Rams towards the play-off spots after a seriously shaky start under Nigel Pearson.

But with things looking far better both on the pitches and terraces in recent weeks, there is no reason why the Rams shouldn't be targeting a place in the play-offs come the end of the campaign.

And a big part of any potential push come the end of May will be who they bring in over the next month in the January transfer window.

Derby have looked a little short of creativity at times this season and we think a quality forward would really boost their chances of promotion.

So with that in mind, here's 3 creative playmakers that Derby County should be looking to sign in January...

Isaac Success

This would be an approach for a loan deal but you can imagine the damage Derby County would do with Watford forward Isaac Success in their forward line.

The Nigerian has struggled to get into the first team at times this season and a loan deal to get some minutes under his belt might be best for his career.

He's a real unit with a yard of pace in his locker - certainly the sort of player that could help the Rams in any potential promotion push.

Niall McGinn

He's been one of the biggest threats on the Northern Ireland flank for some time now and Aberdeen winger Niall McGinn is having another strong season up in Scotland.

He's already scored seven goals this campaign and his pace, trickery and downright endeavour always seems to cause opposing teams problems.

When it comes to a promotion push, having players like McGinn in your ranks is never a bad thing in the slightest.

Lászlo Bénes

Laszlo Benes might not be the most well-known name on the paddocks in Derbyshire but fans of struggling Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach have high hopes that this Slovakian youngster could go on to become a real star.

He's just 19-years-old and despite Monchengladbach's continued struggles in the league this season, he's still not quite forced his way into the first team.

A loan move at this point in his career would be excellent and there is no reason why a side like Derby shouldn't take a gamble on a player who is extremely tricky indeed.

 

Derby fans - do you agree with this? Would you like to sign any of these 3 playmakers? Who do you need in January? Let us know in the comments below...