Derby County have fought valiantly so far this season as they aim to seek a place amongst the play-offs come May but, with a wealth of sides to compete with, the struggles in the second-half of the campaign will be vast.

Currently sat ninth in the table, two points off the top-six, Derby will be looking for recruits in January to bolster their squad for the crucial half of the season.

The Rams need to show ambition in the market and, if they do so, their quest for promotion will be greatly boosted.

It's always difficult to persuade players to move to a promotion chasing side, particularly if they're coming from the top-flight, as there is no guarantee of success.

However, the Derby project should be intriguing to any suitors and the right additions in January could prove the platform to build upon.

Here, we've identified THREE ambitious signings that Derby should pursue in the January window to bolster their promotion push.

Jordan Rhodes

Reported to be amongst a host of clubs looking to land Jordan Rhodes signature in January, a successful move for the Middlesbrough forward would significantly bolster the Rams' forward line and help Steve McClaren's side in their promotion push.

A lack of Premier League football may put Rhodes on the market and his previous ventures in the Championship make him hot property for any club.

Missing out Rhodes would be inexcusable for Derby and where they want to be, so this should be a January priority for the clubs.

Marc Pugh

Joining Leeds United in the chase for Bournemouth's Marc Pugh, the 29-year-old midfielder is likely to be on his way out of the club in January due to limited first-team football.

Having experienced all of Bournemouth's successes in the previous six years, the experience Pugh would provide Derby is exceptional.

Pugh would provide a catalyst for Derby's push to promotion and the experienced signing would signal a huge statement of intent to the rest of the league.

Persuading him to join shouldn't be too much of a challenge but the rival interest of Leeds may be an issue.

Nathan Dyer

Vastly experienced in the Premier League, Nathan Dyer hasn't been getting the time on the field he wants under Bob Bradley and a move in January could be the perfect option.

With the Swans unlikely to want to bolster a rival top-flight side, Derby could storm to the front of the queue.

At 28, Dyer is in the prime years of his footballing career and his ability in the final-third could be a massive asset for Derby.

If the Rams can offer him regular football, Dyer could provide the boost Derby are looking for in return.