Derby are hoping to secure a long-awaited return to the Premier League, and with highly-rated Paul Clement in charge, they could well be on their way.

When the former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach took over at the iPro this summer, the Rams started a spending spree and added some significant quality to their ranks.

However, despite spending a large amount of money in the summer on new additions, the club made no sales and every player that left the club was either released or signed for another club on a free transfer.

With those additions, some players find themselves on the sidelines watching as Derby's expensively constructed side charge their way up the Championship table.

Those players who find themselves looking for new clubs by the time the January transfer window comes around and Paul Clement may be forced into making up some of the money he spent in the summer.

Here are FIVE Derby County fans need to say bye to in January....

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!

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Simon Dawkins

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The Jamaican international has been with Derby for two years now after impressing previous manager Steve McClaren, and he has played 50 league games for the club since then.

However, the forward has been played just once this season and has a number of Paul Clement's big-money signings in front of him in the pecking order.

Fans should prepare to say goodbye to the 28-year-old this January and he should prepare to leave the iPro in order to find some regular first team football, and reinvigorate his career.

Jake Buxton

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The long-serving defender has been unable to dislodge Paul Clement's favoured centre-back pairing of Jason Shackell and Richard Keogh, and he is yet to make an appearance with the Rams' this season.

The 30-year-old has been with the club for six seasons now and while he is a popular figure with Derby fans due to his commitment, January may be time to move on for Buxton.

After playing well over 100 games for the club, his sudden lack of game time at the iPro may force him to move on this winter.

Lee Grant

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When Derby signed experienced shot-stopper Scott Carson in the summer, it raised a few eyebrows given that the Rams already had Lee Grant on their books.

However, the former England international has established himself as Derby's number 1, and 32-year-old Grant has had to settle for a place on the bench or stepping in when Carson is injured.

With Grant still having plenty to offer a team in the second tier, it may be time to say goodbye to the goalkeeper again after over 80 games for the club.

Ryan Shotton 

Another centre-back in the Derby squad that has been unable to force his way into the first-team due to the terrific partnership of Keogh and Shackell.

The former Stoke defender joined the club initially on loan last summer before signing a permanent deal in January, but he is now sitting on the sidelines.

Because of this, he find himself looking for a new club in January and Rams' fans may have to prepare to say goodbye to the 27-year-old in the January transfer window.

Darren Bent

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Despite a difficult four year spell with Premier League side Aston Villa, Darren Bent was a revelation when he joined the Rams in January on an initial loan deal, scoring 12 goals in 17 games.

However he has failed to nail down a regular starting spot in the side after signing a permanent contract with the club in the summer and has just one goal in eleven games.

Although Bent has goals in him, he just can't get into Paul Clement's side with Chris Martin the main striker and Derby fans may have to say bye to the former England striker in January.

Derby fans...Do you agree? Do you think you will have to say bye to these players? Let us know what you think in the comments below!