Derby County appear to be closing in on a play-off spot, with a place in the top six a mere consolation for a side that seemed destined to challenge for automatic promotion for parts of the campaign.

Manager Gary Rowett will be left disappointed that a more sustained push for the top two could not be achieved by his men, but will instead turn his attentions to the remaining games and ensuring that play-off football does indeed come to Pride Park this season.

Promotion was always the aim for Derby, with Rowett hoping to bolster his bid by adding Norwich City's experienced striker Cameron Jerome to his ranks, although the former Birmingham City man has struggled since making the move to the East Midlands.

With a full summer to prepare, Rowett may consider these men as potential upgrades upon the ageing forward...

Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy picked Waghorn up from Rangers in the summer for a nominal fee, with many questioning whether the former Sunderland man had it in him to perform to the required level of a Championship striker.

However, Waghorn proved his doubters wrong, boasting a combined total of over twenty goals and assists this season for the Tractor Boys and helping the Suffolk side to a comfortable mid-table finish.

Waghorn appears to have one big move left in his locker and Rowett should consider bringing him to Pride Park.

He has proven he can score goals in a poor Ipswich side, so imagine what he could do at Derby.

A proven goal scorer at this level, Hernandez has performed well since making the surprise switch to Hull City from Palermo and could attract interest from Rowett in the summer given that his deal with the Tigers is set to expire.

The Uruguayan forward has been dogged by an Achilles injury that has kept him out for much of the campaign, but will have a whole summer of rest and recuperation as he is unlikely to be selected to represent his national side at the World Cup.

Still only twenty-seven, Hernandez has a lot to offer and could prove to be the signing of the season if Rowett picks him.

He could bag twenty goals a season.

Another set to leave his current club in the summer, Ameobi is a wide man by nature but could excel playing down the middle for the Rams.

His talents appear wasted out wide, and a more direct style down the middle could seriously improve his game in the coming years.

He has the pace to play on the shoulder and the power to beat his man, so could a transition to striker emulate the success of Bristol City's Bobby Reid's own switch from midfield?

Ameobi is worth a punt given the raw talent the player possesses.

Could Derby land the big Norwich forward this summer?

The Portuguese is likely to miss out on this summer's World Cup and will feel that competing for the mid-table Canaries will not have aided his chances, so expect him to seek a move.

A mass exodus is expected at Carrow Road with James Maddison another star name likely to move on and Derby should take advantage of the situation with a bid for Oliveira.

Such a natural talent who would be at the higher level were he more consistent, Rowett could be the man that finally draws the best from the 26-year-old forward.

Rams fans, thoughts?