Frank Lampard and Derby County will be looking at ways they can strengthen their squad without breaking the bank this season.

The men from Pride Park have spent good money in recent years in order to get themselves promoted but haven't been able to get over the line.

Now, then, there is a distinct suggestion that the club will have to rein it in and think of other ways that they can improve their side heading into 2018/19.

With a man like Lampard in charge, though, there's bound to be players already at the club determined to impress and so we might just see some new faces emerge and come to the fore.

With that said, then, we're looking at three players that might be heroes for the club next season as they aim to improve on 2017/18 and their narrow play-off loss...

Max Lowe could be one that profits from Gary Rowett leaving.

He wasn't given much chance by the former Birmingham boss but if he can impress his new manager he might be able to force his way in.

His career is approaching a crossroads after a loan spell at Shrewsbury but a good pre-season could see him kick on. He's still very young.

Luke Thomas is someone who Rams fans will want to see more of next season.

He made a couple of appearances last year and clearly has talent but has the likes of Tom Lawrence in front of him in the pecking order.

Even so, Lampard will look to give everyone a chance and Thomas might be able to grasp that if he does well in pre-season.

Max Bird has been kept on by the club and will now want to kick on.

He's still very young and has a lot to learn but he did get a taste of first-team action last season.

Derby's midfield is arguably their strongest area on the pitch but with Frank Lampard one of the best central players this country has produced in recent years, Bird has some great tutors.