Rowett needs to ask Morris to sign these three stars for Derby County

Derby County looked destined to challenge for an automatic return to the Premier League following an excellent run through November and December that took Gary Rowett’s side into the top two, but inconsistent results after Christmas have seen the Rams fall away and into the play-off mix.

Now just a single point above seventh-place Bristol City heading into the international break, a place in the top six is by no means secured and Rowett must rally his men in the closing stages of the campaign to ensure the Pride Park outfit have a shot in the end of season shoot-out.

Chairman Mel Morris is likely to back the manager in the summer transfer window once again no matter where they end up next year having opened the check book last year, but the odds suggest the former Birmingham City boss could be preparing for another year at this level.

If that is the case, Rowett must beg Morris for the funds to land this exciting trio…