Derby County are favourites to sign Hearts full back Callum Paterson, according to news that has recently emerged.

The 22-year-old has made an impressive 134 appearances for the Scottish side, netting 32 times, and would be a real coup for Steve McClaren.

A player who should look to be moving away from the iPro Stadium, however, is striker Chris Martin.

The Scotsman, on loan at Fulham for the season, has been in fine form for the Cottagers, and the club have the option to sign the 28-year-old permanently at the end of the campaign, despite netting 52 times in 121 games for the Rams.

McClaren has turned things around at Derby, on his return to the Midlands club, and has guided the Rams to 7th in the Championship table.

Here, FLW writer George Harbey suggests his new-look 2017 Derby County lineup, with the addition of Callum Paterson, that can definitely secure promotion...

GK: Scott Carson

The veteran shot-stopper is the Rams' first choice, and that looks likely to stay the same throughout the duration of this campaign, with second choice Lee Grant looking to secure a permanent move to Stoke City in January.

RB: Callum Paterson

At right back is Callum Paterson, given Cyrus Christie's injury.

The Scotsman would be an attack-minded full back and a perfect acquisition for Steve McClaren.

CB: Richard Keogh

The club captain has made a phenomenal 195 league appearances for the Rams, and at the age of 30, is hitting his prime years.

CB: Jason Shackell

The 33-year-old has made 46 appearances for the Midlands club since his £3million arrival from Burnley in 2015.

LB: Craig Forsyth

The 27-year-old Scotsman has been a key man for the Rams since his arrival from Watford in 2013, making 102 appearances for Steve McClaren's men.

RM: Tom Ince

Derby's talisman recently scored a sublime solo effort against bitter rivals Nottingham Forest, in a 3-0 victory last week.

Netting 29 times in over 70 games for Derby, there's no doubt that there will be many teams vying for his signature in January.

CM: Will Hughes

The 21-year-old has been linked with a move with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal over the years, however has remained a key figure for the Rams, snubbing any interest and making over 150 appearances for the club.

CM: Bradley Johnson

The former Norwich City star has impressed ever since his £6million arrival from Carrow Road in 2015, netting 5 times in 54 games for the club.

CM: Josh Windass

Another player that has been linked with the Rams is Rangers midfielder Josh Windass.

The attacking midfielder was influential for Accrington Stanley in their promotion push in League Two last term, netting 15 times before sealing a huge move to the Scottish giants.

LM: Johnny Russell

Russell is another one of those players who has been at the club for many years and is still consistently performing.

The 26-year-old has netted 25 times in 132 games.

ST: Omar Bogle

Capping off this new-look starting eleven is Grimsby Town talisman Omar Bogle.

The top scorer in all four English leagues thus far this campaign with 16 goals, Bogle has spearheaded the Mariners' promotion push, and has been linked with numerous, high-profile clubs.

So...what do you think Derby fans? Would you like to see this team in 2017? Would you go up with this team? Leave your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below!