Phillip Cocu is on the lookout for new signings before the end of the window and bringing in a centre-back is the priority for Derby County.

The Rams have been linked with a host of names over the past few weeks and the latest is Tottenham's Cameron Carter-Vickers.

That's according to TEAMtalk, who claim that the East Midlands outfit are one of four Championship sides monitoring the USA international, with Fulham, Middlesbrough and Huddersfield the others in the mix.

Carter-Vickers spent the first half of the campaign on loan with Stoke City but that was cut short earlier this month as he failed to establish himself as a regular under Michael O'Neill.

However, he is expected to leave Spurs before Friday's deadline and here we outline THREE reasons why Derby need to win the race for the player...

They need a centre-back

Firstly, and most importantly, it's an area of the pitch that Cocu desperately needs to strengthen.

They are short on quality in that department, with Richard Keogh's injury and then sacking meaning they are left without an influential figure at the back.

Craig Forsyth has been filling in on occasions but it isn't his natural role, so a new face is needed at the back.

He should suit Derby's style of play

Another reason this would be a move that makes sense is because Carter-Vickers would suit Derby's style.

Cocu demands that his team play out from the back and that shouldn't be a problem for the 22-year-old who is capable in possession.

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He could be a long-term option

Even though this would be an initial loan deal until the end of the season, there's no reason it couldn't be made permanent in the summer as realistically Carter-Vickers doesn't have a future at Spurs.

So, this is a pretty risk-free move. If he impresses, the Rams could sign him on a long-term deal and given his age, Carter-Vickers could be a key figure in their defence for the next decade or so.