Speaking to the Derby Telegraph, Gary Rowett has admitted that exits will be the priority at Derby County for the remainder of the transfer window, with departures now likely. 

Rowett’s squad find themselves in a strong position in the Sky Bet Championship table heading into a late part of the January transfer window, with the Rams sitting second in the table, behind only Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Last week, Rowett moved to add Cameron Jerome to his squad at the Pride Park Stadium, with the experienced striker arriving at Derby form Norwich City, who he has previous promotion experience with.

However, after that addition, Rowett was quick to discuss to possibility of exits from Derby over the course of the transfer window. When asked about any other potential arrivals, he replied: “That would be dependant on outs.

“It was always our plan to - and I hate saying it - try to move players on in this window.”

Following Jerome’s arrival, two players who could be set for the exit door this month are Darren Bent and Chris Martin, who now find themselves down the pecking order with a long list of strikers now at the club.

Jerome, David Nugent, Matej Vydra and Sam Winnall all featured in some capacity during Friday night’s 0-0 draw with Bristol City, with neither Bent nor Martin featuring in the matchday squad.

Reports have suggested that Martin is set for a loan to Sunderland in the coming days, although that particular transfer saga has not appeared to have developed over the course of the weekend.

The Verdict  

Derby’s squad is full of Championship experience, and their form over recent weeks has shown just what they are capable of.

Rowett knows his side have enough to compete for promotion, and is willing to sacrifice fringe players to bolster options in the matchday 18 and starting XI.

The likes of Bent and Martin are likely to struggle for games, particularly after Jerome’s arrival, which makes the club’s willingness to offload the duo seem sensible.

Derby fans… Let us know your thoughts!