Derby County boss Gary Rowett has money to spend this summer having cashed in on both Will Hughes and Tom Ince, but the biggest challenge the former Birmingham boss will face is replacing the influential pair, whose departures will be a serious challenge for the Rams to overcome.

Rowett has already moved to replace Hughes with the addition of Tom Huddlestone, but another middle man could be on the way in to Pride Park, and the Rams should continue their pursuit of Leicester midfielder Matty James.

The player spent the second half of last season on loan at Barnsley in an attempt to regain match fitness following a long spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, and although the player has joined the Foxes on their Asian tour, he could still be on the move this summer.

The former Manchester United youngster just turned 26, and will know that first team action is essential if he is to further his career as he enters his peak years.

Boss Craig Shakespeare has seemingly given James one final opportunity to impress whilst in Asia, but James should be realistic and realise that the competition for a starting spot may be too much to overcome.

Moving to a Derby side with promotion aspirations would be an excellent step for James, and one that he should certainly consider should a concrete offer materialise.

James is a fantastic player who has overcome adversity in recent times, and Derby would be acquiring a player capable of dragging them into the top six next season.