Derby County could be set to make a move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliott.

The Rams and their manager Frank Lampard are looking to add quality and depth to the squad where they can in January, and according to Alan Nixon, Lampard has identified Elliott as the man he wants to bring in as cover for or even to replace Scott Carson.

Former England man Carson has made a few high profile errors of late, including two in the game with Leeds on Friday night, and that appears to have forced Lampard's hand, who is now looking at the 32-year-old Elliott as his next signing.

A full Republic of Ireland international, Elliott has found a regular starting berth hard to come by at St James' Park since moving to the club in 2011, and he might well be open to a January move if Derby are indeed serious about making a play.

Elliott was in and out of the Magpies starting XI last term as he almost shared goalkeeping duties with Karl Darlow and Martin Dubravka, but he now finds himself on the periphery of the squad again with Dubravka firmly established as the number one at the club.

The Verdict

This would be a bold and solid move from Lampard, and would send a message to the previously undroppable Carson.

You simply cannot keep making mistakes when you are fighting for Championship promotion, and the goalkeeping position is one of the key areas of the field.

Elliott is steady enough, and would fit in well under Lampard if given the chance.