Frank Lampard's Derby County side have been on an excellent run of form in recent weeks, and the Rams now occupy one of the play-off places as they mount their challenge for promotion to the Premier League this season. 

Derby have recently been linked with the potential high-profile signing of Chelsea youngster, Ethan Ampadu, who is rumoured to be available on a loan deal in January.

Ampadu is yet to make a competitive appearance for Chelsea this season but has featured on seven occasions last season for the Blues.

But he is seemingly out of favour with Maurizio Sarri and he could be tempted to follow in the footsteps of fellow Chelsea youngsters, Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori in January when the transfer window reopens.

But which players could Ampadu potentially replace in the Derby starting XI if he was to sign with Lampard's side?

We look at who faces a nervous wait if the youngster joins the Rams.

Find out who could lose their place here....

The Irish international has been ever-present for Derby in recent years but has shown some signs that he should be replaced this season.

A number of questionable performances mean that he could potentially fall down the pecking order behind Ampadu, Curtis Davies and Fikayo Tomori so Keogh's place is definitely under threat if the Chelsea youngster joins Lampard's side.

Huddlestone has recently returned to the starting XI and has impressed in this Derby side, but he could potentially be sacrificed so that Ampadu can come into the squad.

With Huddlestone and Ampadu both offering more defensive roles in the midfield, it is unlikely that Lampard will opt to have two central defensive midfielders in his side.

Ampadu could link up with fellow loanees, Harry Wilson and Mason Mount in the centre of the Rams midfield in January.