Derby County have had a mini revival of late since the arrival of Steve McClaren and, given their terrible start to the season, it comes as a bit of a surprise that the Rams are now in play-off contention.

Sitting 19^th in the Sky Bet Championship, the Derby hierarchy took the decision to sack Nigel Pearson and bring McClaren back to the club, in the hope of finding their form from previous years, when the Rams reached the play-offs.

With McClaren not yet having a transfer window whilst in charge of the Rams, he is working, largely, with Pearson’s squad, so the chance to put his own stamp on the squad in January will be appealing for the former England boss.

Derby could look to the Premier League for players and, with so many being left out of the matchday squad, these players will be looking for moves.

Here, FootballLeagueWorld writer Chris Wilson identifies FOUR top-flight outcasts who Derby should be keeping tabs on…

Jordan Rhodes

Jordan Rhodes faces an uncertain future at the Riverside Stadium, after Aitor Karanka is believed to be willing to offload Rhodes in January to free up funds for other players.

The forward is widely known as one of the Championship’s most lethal strikers, so Derby won’t be short of competitors.

If there’s one thing Rhodes knows how to do, it’s score goals. If he gets regular football over a season, he can easily notch up 20 goals and, in the right team, he could fire them to promotion.

If Derby have aspirations on going up this year, Rhodes would be the perfect signing.

Tosin Adarabioyo

Adarabioyo is a product of the Man City youth system and he played in the Champions League for City on Tuesday against Celtic.

Despite this European appearance, Adarabioyo is likely to find first team opportunities hard to come by, so manager Pep Guardiola could look to loan him out.

One area where Derby have had difficulties over the last few years is at centre-back. The Rams have struggled to find a solid partnership that has been of high enough quality to keep clean sheets regularly.

Adarabioyo would definitely improve a weak Derby defence ahead of their promotion run in.

Axel Tuanzebe

Similarly to Adarabioyo, Tuanzebe has come through the youth system at one of England’s top clubs.

Tuanzebe featured in Manchester United’s pre-season campaign but, as of yet, he hasn’t played for the first team, meaning he lacks experience, so Mourinho may look to get him out on loan.

Tuanzebe is a very solid defender but he can play a bit too.

The England Under-19 international would definitely fit into the McClaren style of play with him being so accomplished on the ball.

Tuanzebe is also quite versatile, with him being able to play in defensive midfield as well, and would certainly bolster McClaren's defensive options.