Derby County are on fire, with Gary Rowett’s Rams surge up the table showing no sign of slowing down.

A recent victory over Aston Villa cemented the club’s position in the top-six, and with an impressive, dedicated squad at his disposal, Rowett will be confident in his side’s ability to push for the automatic places in the coming weeks.

The former Birmingham City boss may consider dipping into the market in the new year to provide his side with a welcome boost ahead of the second half of the season, when eyes must be turned towards the top-two.

Faces may also leave, with Scottish international Kelechi Anya possibly one of the first to go.

The full-back has been resigned to the bench for the majority of the campaign, and Rowett should target one of this trio as his replacement should he depart Pride Park next month…

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson

There is a distinct possibility that the Manchester United defender’s loan deal with Leeds United will be cancelled in the new year after the youngster failed to break into the starting XI, and Rowett should keep tabs on the player’s situation.

The 20-year-old impressed for United after breaking into the first-team set-up at Old Trafford, with boss Jose Mourinho deciding that a loan move would be best for the player this season.

It is unlikely the defender has a future at the Premier League side upon his return, and the Portuguese manager could be willing to listen to a permanent offer for the player.

Rowett has cash reserves, and securing a deal for the promising talent could prove to be an excellent piece of business.

Sam McQueen

The 22-year-old broke into the first-team set-up at Southampton in 2014, and has impressed during appearances for the Saints.

McQueen has a bright future in the game but is struggling to tie down a regular role at St Mary’s this season, and manager Mauricio Pellegrino could be willing to allow the youngster to depart the club on loan in the new year.

McQueen will be keen for first-team minutes, and could provide an excellent replacement for Anya should he depart Pride Park.

Securing the player until the end of the season will allow Rowett to find a suitable long-term replacement in the summer, potentially saving himself some money.

Glen Johnson

Derby has become something of a graveyard for former Premier League footballers in recent years, but Johnson is still good enough to play a significant role in the Rams’ bid for promotion.

The experienced former England defender appears surplus to requirements at Stoke, and manager Mark Hughes may be willing to listen to offers for the player in the new year.

A loan deal until the end of the season would be the best option for the Rams, but even securing the player on an eighteen-month deal could prove a solid piece of business.

Johnson would have to accept a huge drop in wages to go to Pride Park, but the player is at the stage in his career where this shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

If Johnson cares about prolonging his career, then he should choose an East Midlands switch.

Derby fans, do you think Anya will leave in the new year? Have your say below...