Since opting to appoint Phillip Cocu as their new manager in July, Derby County have made an underwhelming start to life under the guidance of the Dutchman in the Championship.

Despite signing the likes of Matt Clarke, Kieran Dowell and Krystian Bielik in the summer transfer window, the Rams have struggled considerably for consistency in recent months.

Currently 16th in the second-tier standings, Derby will need to pick up their performance levels during the second-half of the season if they are to have any chance of reaching the play-offs next May.

Whilst Wayne Rooney's imminent debut for the Rams will unquestionably give them a boost in January, it could be argued that Cocu needs to bolster his squad when the transfer window opens in just under two weeks' time.

Keeping this in mind, here are eight players that should be on Derby's transfer radar ahead of 2020...

One of the stand-out performers in League One this season, Ivan Toney has already scored 14 goals for Peterborough United.

An unquestionably talented player, the forward could breathe life into a Derby attack which has faltered at times in the Championship over the past few weeks.

An ambitious one here... An extremely skillful player, Said Benrahma has been at the heart of Brentford's resurgence in the Championship during the current campaign.

With nine goal contributions to his name this year, the winger could potentially take Derby's attacking options to new heights if Cocu is willing to splash the clash on him.

Whilst Darren Randolph hasn't been able to prevent Middlesbrough from suffering an underwhelming start to the season, he is still a quality operator at this particular level of football.

Given that Kelle Roos and Ben Hamer have both struggled in between the sticks for the Rams, they could benefit from signing a shot-stopper who knows exactly what it takes to succeed in the Championship.

Recently linked with a move to Derby, Morgan Fox could turn out to be a useful addition to Cocu's current roster of players if they do decide to swoop for him in January.

When you consider that Scott Malone and Max Lowe have both yet to hit top-form for the Rams under Cocu, they may benefit from some added competition from Fox who is a seasoned campaigner at Championship level.

Another player who Derby are reportedly interested in signing, Rob Dickie has made an encouraging start to the season with Oxford United in League One.

With the Rams currently short of options at centre-back due to Richard Keogh's departure in October, the 23-year-old may fit the bill for Cocu's side.

A starring member of the England Under-17 side which won the World Cup two years ago, Rhian Brewster has only featured on two occasions for Liverpool this season.

An exciting young talent, the forward could potentially help to transform Derby's fortunes in the new year if he is able to hit the ground running in the Championship.

Linked with a move to Derby earlier this week, Marcus Maddison is without doubt one of the most talented players in League One.

Given that the midfielder has produced 18 direct goal contributions in all competitions for Peterborough this season, it could be argued that the Rams would be foolish not to pay the £2.5m release clause which is reportedly in his contract.

Since helping Newcastle United achieve promotion to the Premier League in 2017, Karl Darlow has been forced to watch on from the sidelines due to the presence of Martin Dubravka.

If Derby are looking at the possibility of signing a new goalkeeper, they ought to consider a move for 29-year-old who knows exactly what it takes to thrive at Championship level.