When the season began, nobody expected Derby to be anywhere other than the top 6, let alone struggling down in 19th place in the Championship table, 7 points off the play-Offs with just 4 wins from 15 games to their name.

It has been a turbulent start to say the least for the Rams, and manager Nigel Pearson, who was seen by many as the perfect appointment in the summer, was sacked after an altercation with Mel Morris.

Derby turned even more heads when they reappointed former boss Steve McClaren, and since the former England manager has returned, results have perked up a little with only one defeat in the last 6 games.

This has been largely down to some terrific form from certain members of the squad, and if performances keep on improving then you still wouldn't rule the Rams out from being in the top 6 come the end of the season.

January is fast approaching though and McClaren will be bracing himself for bids for his star players.

If Derby are still wallowing in the bottom half then some of their best assets might look to jump ship, especially if a Premier League offer comes in.

Here are 2 Derby players who fans would be devastated to see leave come January.

Will Hughes

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The blonde-haired playmaker was once one of the most hyped young players in England, with his name mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Ross Barkley and Nathan Redmond.

However, the talented young midfielder has been extremely unlucky with injuries of late, and was kept out for the majority of last season.

However, this season Hughes has finally been given another run in the team, making 14 starts in all competitions.

Keeping hold of him in January could be integral to Derby's play-Off hopes.

Tom Ince

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Another player who was subject to immense hype earlier in his career, Ince turned down a move to Liverpool to stay at Blackpool, but unfortunately he never got another shot at the Premier League, and since then he's failed to really push on.

Despite some stellar performances here and there, inconsistency has plagued his game.

However, it looks like he might finally be fulfilling that potential that earned him so much praise, and keeping hold of him through January is essential to Derby's progression.