Derby County managed to recruit some excellent additions during the summer transfer window despite the fact they had to operate within restrictions.

Following their exit from administration, former boss Liam Rosenior had a huge task on his hands as he was forced to build his squad, an exciting project for the current Hull City manager but a daunting one considering the new season was just weeks away by the time he could do anything in the market.

In fairness to the Rams, he had some great players to build around with some having contracts that lasted beyond the end of last term and others including Curtis Davies deciding to put pen to paper to extend their stays at Pride Park.

 

 

And you could certainly argue that they have some valuable assets at their disposal, though they will be gutted that some of their players are only in the East Midlands on loan at this point.

The likes of Haydon Roberts, Lewis Dobbin and Will Osula are only likely to rise in value as they continue to develop - but the Rams won't be able to profit from them in the future unless they secure permanent deals for the trio.

However, their five most financially valuable players (according to Transfermarkt) are all permanent first-teamers and we take a look at them below.

5 - Tom Barkhuizen (€1.5m)

Barkhuizen joined in the summer after being released by Preston North End - but his impact in front of goal for the Rams has been limited so far with just one goal and two assists to his name in 14 league appearances.

Considering he took the step down to League One, he will be disappointed not to have got on the scoresheet more often considering how many minutes he's been given to impress - but he should be given more opportunities to shine.

The fact his recent return to action has been seen as a boost just goes to show he's done reasonably well despite not currently enjoying the best time in front of goal.

He has played wing-back at times as well, so that's something that needs to be considered.

4 - Conor Hourihane (€1.8m)

The signing of Republic of Ireland international Hourihane was seen as a real coup by many considering he played reasonably regularly for Sheffield United last term as they chased a Premier League return.

To attract him to Pride Park without Wayne Rooney was a great achievement - and he has already managed to register three goals and two assists in 16 league appearances this season as one of the first names on the teamsheet when fit.

Proving to be a shrewd addition, you have to feel he would be worth more than €1.8m if he was slightly younger. At 31 though, he should have at least two or three seasons left in the tank at this level.

3 - Louie Sibley (€1.8m)

Managing to stay fit throughout this season, he has already made 26 competitive appearances and that alone is something that has to be commended.

Recording three goals and one assist in the process, this is something he will be desperate to improve as he potentially looks to get himself back to the second tier as quickly as possible, with or without his current side.

His contract expires in 2024 so there's no risk of losing him for free during the next couple of windows - but the Rams may want to get him tied down to a new deal as quickly as possible to ensure they can maximise his price tag.

At 21, he will only continue to grow.

2 - Max Bird (€4m)

Similar applies to 22-year-old Bird, who signed a new deal at the same time as Sibley to extend his stay at Pride Park until the summer of 2024.

The midfielder was one of quite a few players who were unlucky to drop down to the third tier - but he shouldn't panic too much because he knows he will be able to make the step up to the second tier seamlessly if an offer comes along in January or his current side win promotion at the end of the season.

Managing to grab three assists in the league this season, he has been an asset both defensively and going forward, something that other sides may be keeping an eye on.

1 - Jason Knight (€5m)

Attracting interest from Burnley and Leeds United in January, Republic of Ireland international Knight can perhaps count himself unlucky that he's still in the third tier at this stage.

One big positive for him though is the fact he's set to return to Derby's squad today and that may give him enough time to put himself in the shop window ahead of January.

It would be a difficult decision for him to leave though considering some of the bonds that have been formed at Pride Park in the past 18 months, so it wouldn't be a surprise if he stayed in the East Midlands until the end of the season.