Gary Rowett has installed a real sense of confidence at Derby County this season, and the Rams look good to secure a playoff spot following an excellent start to the campaign.

Star pair Will Hughes and Tom Ince were lost to the Premier League in the summer in what was a long-awaited, expected blow for Rowett, but the former Birmingham boss invested wisely to replace the dynamic duo.

Around £15 million was accrued from their sales, with Rowett reinvesting wisely.

Tom Lawrence was brought in from Leicester following an excellent loan spell with Ipswich Town, with the likes of Tom Huddlestone and Curtis Davies also added to the squad.

Rowett could be busy again in the new year as he look to prepare his side for the second half of the season, and a much-needed top-six finish.

These five men should be on his wishlist…

Ryan Woods

Brentford midfielder Woods is one of the best in his position at this level, with the 24-year-old able to dominate and dictate games from the middle of the park.

Signed from Shrewsbury, Woods’ game has come on dramatically in the last couple of years, and Rowett will be well aware of the players ability.

Sitting alongside Huddlestone, Derby could boast one of the strongest pairings in the league, and the player would surely thrive in the East Midlands.

Lewis Grabban

Derby have money left over from the sale of Ince and Hughes, and should consider launching a bid for Grabban.

The Bournemouth loanee has scored goals for fun whilst on-loan at Sunderland this year, and could be available if Bournemouth decide to sell up in the new year.

Derby need a striker, with this arguably one of the missing ingredients from this Rams squad, and Grabban could be the perfect fit at Pride Park.

Bobby Reid

Reid has been phenomenal for Bristol City since being moved into a striking role by Lee Johnson, but his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

He appears to be biding his time, with the Robins challenging for promotion this year, and could hold out for a Premier League move should Johnson’s men fail to be promoted in May.

Rowett should consider a cheeky bid for the player in January however, as City may consider cashing in early instead of losing Reid for nothing in the summer.

This deal is unlikely, but tabs should certainly be kept on the situation.

Devante Cole

Could Rowett be tempted to pluck the 22-year-old from League One?

Cole has scored on a regular basis for the Trawlermen since his arrival at the club, and has emerged as a key player in Uwe Rosler’s promotion-chasing side.

The son of former England Manchester United striker Andy, Cole has goals in his blood, and has the potential to become a top forward in English football.

Derby could mark the next step for the promising youngster, and Rowett should consider rolling the dice on the former Manchester City trainee.

Christian Doidge

We have seen a number of non-league talents work their way through the football pyramid to the Premier League in recent years, and Doidge could be the latest to make the leap.

The Forest Green Rovers striker has scored goals for fun since joining the Gloucestershire-based side, and certainly looks ready to step up to the next level after impressing in League Two following the Green Army’s promotion from the National League.

The 25-year-old is young enough to make the move, but must do so soon.

Derby need a forward, and Doidge would not cost the earth.

The player could be worth a low-risk, high-reward punt.

Rams fans, who do you think your side should target in the new year? Have your say below...