Derby County are hopeful of completing the loan signings of at least two Manchester City players in the January transfer window, a report from a print edition of The Daily Mirror (18/11, p54) has claimed.

The Rams are expected to be taken over Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan imminently, and it seems that could open up a connection with City that they will look to take advantage of.

Al Nehayan is the cousin of Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour, and it seems that could lead to something of a relationship between the two clubs in the not too distant future.

According to the latest reports, Derby will look to benefit from that link between their potential new owner and City's current one, with an expectation that they will complete the temporary signings of at least two players from the Etihad once the window reopens in January.

Those loan deals could also help Derby financially as well, with the Rams not expected to be spend big in January, due to the EFL's Profit and Sustainability regulations.

As things stand, Derby sit bottom of the Championship with just one win from their 11 league games so far this season, and they are searching for a new manager following the sacking of Phillip Cocu at the weekend.

The Verdict

It does feel as though this could be a beneficial agreement for both of these clubs.

For Derby, it means they will be strengthening their squad with two players, who even if they are only young, will still be able to add plenty of ability to their side, considering the potential they must have to be recruited by a club the size of City.

For City as well, it means some of their young players could be given a first chance to experience first-team football on a regular basis, helping with their development too.

As a result, you could see this blossoming into a beneficial relationship between the two clubs for many years to come.