Derby County boss Frank Lampard has admitted he does want to bring players in this month, with signing a centre-back a priority.

The Rams recently let Alex Pearce move on loan to Millwall and with Curtis Davies out for a lengthy period through injury, it means Fikayo Tomori and Richard Keogh are the only senior players available in that role.

And, Lampard told Derbyshire Live that he will look to use the loan market to bring in a defensive reinforcement, although he wasn't too confident they will get a deal over the line:

"I am looking, because we do need strengthening in areas, particularly at centre-back, where we have two fit out-and-out centre-backs, but we don't have much to work with.

"If we can bring in a loan, it would be great because I do think we need strengthening, with the months we have where we are trying to maintain a challenge and improve on where we're at, but I'm not sure that it will happen."

The Rams are currently sixth in the Championship and face league leaders Leeds at Elland Road tomorrow night in what will be a tough clash.

The Verdict

Fans will be glad to see that Lampard wants a centre-back because in reality they do need one.

Injuries and suspensions can play a part and they simply don't have anywhere near enough to cover in that department.

Now, it's about identifying the right player and doing a deal as soon as possible to help out the squad in what is a crucial period of the season.

Thoughts, Derby fans? Let us know in the comments below.