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…

The QPR midfielder has impressed at Loftus Road since making the move from Swindon Town but is likely to leave the club this summer in order to find a home where his Premier League dream may finally be realised.

The Australian international will head to the World Cup with the Socceroos in June and decide upon his future upon his return, with several top Championship sides sure to be vying for his signature.

An excellent box-to-box player, Luongo was afforded the luxury of a top-flight education by Tottenham Hotspur before failing to make his way into the first team and his ability and willingness to cover the pitch would ensure a huge increase in the quality on offer in the County midfield.

A double raid of West London could be on the cards if Rowett decides he needs another winger and there are not many better in the second tier than the R’s Luke Freeman who has defied all odds to register an impressive five goals and eleven assists so far.

Set to break the combined twenty-mark, Freeman has emerged as one of the most consistent providers at this level with competition for his services set to be high in the summer.

The 25-year-old has appeared in all but one of Ian Holloway’s side’s fixtures this year and looks ready to make the step to the next level, with a promotion-chasing side such as Derby the right home for the talented man.

Pull this off, and Rowett’s promotion hopes will be handed a significant boost.

23-year-old Webster looks to be one of the future stars of the second tier, with a Premier League future ahead of the former Portsmouth man.

His ambitions will not be fulfilled within an average Ipswich Town side and a switch to Pride Park in the summer would be a step in the right direction.

Webster has appeared twenty-three times in a campaign which began late following an ankle injury picked up in January of 2017, but his lengthy lay-off appears to have dealt no damage to the player’s ability.

A top prospect, Rowett should move before the player’s value skyrockets.

Rams fans, thoughts?