Derby County fell victim to play-off heartbreak once again last season as their return to the top flight was agonisingly postponed for another year.

But with the experienced Nigel Pearson at the helm and a talented core of players, there will be plenty of optimism concerning the Rams' chances of promotion next year.

Derby's midfield is particularly impressive as the rest of the Championship gazes over to the iPro Stadium and the likes of Will Hughes, Tom Ince, Bradley Johnson, George Thorne et al with envious eyes.

But Pearson will be keen to recruit as well to bolster the Derby squad for the upcoming campaign and one option he could explore is the loan market.

Football league clubs and young players alike tend to be mutually benefited for their experience and it's becoming a more popular route with England star Harry Kane having plied his trade on loan in the lower leagues, before breaking through at Tottenham.

Here are FIVE Manchester United youngsters that Derby could target this summer.......

 

Sam Johnstone

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Scott Carson is a reasonable goalkeeper for Championship level but it is always healthy to have a bit of competition between the sticks.

23-year-old stopper Sam Johnstone is still behind David De Gea and Sergio Romero in the United pecking order so he is better off searching for a loan club again next season to gain first team football.

Despite his young age, the former England youth international has plenty of experience and has amassed over 70 league appearances from numerous loan spells.

Perhaps he could push Carson for the number one spot at Derby.

 

Donald Love

Donald Loved

Derby fans will question Cyrus Christie's consistency.

The Republic of Ireland international can be outstanding on his day and is always a threat bombing forward on the overlap.

But he has also demonstrated his defensive frailties far too frequently for County fans' liking.

A new right back could be on Pearson's wishlist to provide competition at full back for Christie and potentially get him to raise his game.

Donald Love made his first team debut under Louis Van Gaal but was limited to the one appearance due to injury.

Maybe the Scotland under-21 international needs another loan spell in the lower leagues before being a serious contender for United so it could be a good match.

 

Paddy McNair 

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Paddy McNair is currently playing at Euro 2016 but his immediate Manchester United future seems bleak, as Mourinho wants to sign lots of players and is often criticised for not giving youth a chance.

Primarily a centre back, McNair can also operate at full back and in central midfield and this type of versatility makes him an ideal candidate for a loan spell at Derby.

The Rams have ageing centre halves so McNair's youth could bring a fresh outlook to the defence and the 21-year-old certainly has a bright future ahead of him.

 

Timothy Fosu-Mensah

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If Derby are interested in a versatile player, an alternative option would be Timothy Fosu-Mensah.

Another player who was handed his first team chance by Louis Van Gaal amid an injury crisis, Fosu-Mensah has capably shown that he can play at the highest level. First team chances are likely to be limited for him next year under Mourinho though and that could force the 18-year-old out on loan.

Derby's midfield would be a hard one to breach but his ability to play as a defensive midfielder, centre back and full back makes him a prize asset and he will undoubtedly have plenty of Championship suitors.

The 6'3'' Netherlands youth international is a quick learner and could prove to be a very shrewd loan signing if they can pull it off.

 

Ashley Fletcher

Ashley FletcherAshley Fletcher

Ashley Fletcher is progressing in a very promising manner and is wanted by a host of Championship clubs after a successful stint at Barnsley.

The big centre forward has demonstrated his hold-up play and aerial capabilities in League One and scored in the play-off final victory against Millwall.

Derby perhaps need to add a bit of firepower to their attack to take some pressure off of Chris Martin and Fletcher could come in and do a job.

The 20-year-old has 2 goals in 2 games for England under-20s.