Derby County are facing a very difficult summer transfer window and the Rams are going to need to work hard to ensure that Wayne Rooney has a strong enough squad for next term.

It has been reported by The Sun that the Rams might have to sell players like Louie Sibley and Jason Knight this summer in order to ease the financial difficulties that they are experiencing. That comes with previous reports from the Irish Mirror revealing that the likes of West Ham and Crystal Palace are interested in making a move for him in the transfer window.

The latest report from The Sun has also claimed that Brighton are now leading the race for Knight’s potential signature this summer. Although it is believed that the Rams are bracing themselves from interest from other sides as well during the summer window.

With Derby potentially set to sell Knight this summer, we take a look at THREE replacements they should consider if he does leave…

Scott Twine

One potential replacement that Derby should consider for Knight is Swindon Town midfielder Scott Twine. The 21-year-old is already a player believed to be attracting plenty of interest this summer with reports suggesting that the likes of QPR and Barnsley are interested in making a move for him. While it has also been reported that Portsmouth are also in the race as well.

Twine has enjoyed an excellent spell with Swindon during the second half of the campaign, with him underlining his quality by scoring seven goals and providing three assists in 25 appearances. That came off the back of him scoring six goals and providing seven assists on loan at Newport County in the first half of the campaign.

The midfielder is someone that will likely move on from Swindon this summer following their relegation. It would make sense for the Rams to sign him as a replacement for Knight with some of the money they would receive for the midfielder. He could prove to be a player that develops really well at Pride Park and proves to be a bargain if they did bring him in.

Allan Campbell

Another potential option that the Rams ought to consider as a replacement for Knight is Motherwell midfielder Allan Campbell. The 22-year-old is another option that they could turn to that is young enough to be developed further in the next few years and maybe even turn sizeable a profit for them.

Campbell is set to leave Motherwell this summer on a free transfer, and he is already being linked with a potential move to both Luton Town and Millwall. While Blackpool are another side who are also thought to be in the mix for his signature. You can see why they are keen considering his level of performance in Scotland where he has scored four goals in 34 games this term.

Signing the midfielder on a free would be an excellent piece of business for whoever can get him this summer. Given finances are tight, he could be a perfect potential replacement for Knight and would add quality to the squad.

Liam Walsh

The final option that Derby should consider this summer as a replacement for Knight is Liam Walsh. The midfielder has just been allowed to leave Bristol City and it has been reported that both Swansea City and Coventry City are interested in making a move for him this window.

However, Walsh is a player that could fit in perfectly in the heart of the Rams’ midfield and he has a lot of quality to offer in possession. The 23-year-old is also another player of the right age of them to develop and they could well see a sizeable profit on him in the future if he arrived at Pride Park and performed to his potential.