This season has highlighted multiple areas in the squad that need improving.

Derby are currently in the last play-off spot after impressive performances which saw them beat Cardiff City and draw with Aston Villa, although the draw was more defensive than anything else.

The small size of the squad has led to fatigue creeping into performances which nearly cost them a play-off place and still could if they lose to Barnsley and Preston win.

They also have issues with the centre-back position because Richard Keogh has struggled, but Alex Pearce didn't impress in his absence.

They need to bring in some new personnel, so here are three players that could join...

Davies has been a top performer for Preston this season with 34 league appearances. One of the major benefits of bringing him in is that the Lilywhites have a similar set-up to Derby with absorbing opposition pressure being a key component.

Therefore, it wouldn't take long for him to adapt and he is only 22-years-old, so he has a bright future ahead of him and would be a good partner for the experienced Curtis Davies. It's an ideal fit for a key issue in the squad.

Vela is a versatile midfielder which has led to him being utilised in a multitude of roles by Phil Parkinson this season. Bolton's poor run of form combined with improvements from Burton and Barnsley means that the Trotters are likely to go down, so Vela could be bought for a bargain.

He is the ideal squad player to have because of how he adds depth to multiple positions which is important in a squad the size of Derby's. At 24-years-old, he would also help lower the average age of the midfield with a lot of Rowett's central midfield options being over 30, which helps the long-term future of the club.

Solomon-Otabor was given his senior debut at Birmingham by Rowett, but he hasn't consistently featured for the Blues since then and currently finds himself on loan at Blackpool. He has scored five teams and assisted five for the Tangerines in the league this season, which isn't bad for a 22-year-old.

Bringing him in would add a different dimension to Derby's attacking play because he is a tricky wide threat able to commit players which is something the Rams currently lack because their attacking players like to move into central areas. His ability to stretch play opens up space for the players in central areas, which increases their effectiveness.

Rowett knows the talent he possesses from his time with the Blues, so this would be a smart signing.