Derby County could look at Millwall loan if Portsmouth win Wigan race: View | OneFootball

Derby County could be set to miss out on Wigan Athletic's Callum Lang.

Portsmouth move for Wigan Athletic striker Callum Lang

Lang was a target for Paul Warne, with Football Insider reporting that The Rams were preparing a bid for the 25-year-old.

However, after Lang's desire to quit the DW Stadium was revealed, it's Pompey who are looking to firm up their interest, with The Portsmouth News reporting John Mousinho is ready to "splash out" on the attacker.

It's unclear whether Derby are still in the race for the forward, but with Lang potentially heading to the south coast, the Pride Park board should perhaps turn their attention elsewhere.

Romain Esse could be Callum Lang alternative

Millwall's Romain Esse could be an alternative, should Warne look to add another right-sided forward to his squad.

Esse, 18, has made 14 Championship appearances, scoring one goal. The England under-19 international has featured primarily as a substitute, which could open the door for a loan move away from The Den.

The young wide man is certainly a different profile to Lang with dribbling and ball retention as his key attributes, and when looking at Derby's current forward options, Esse does offer something different.

There are plenty of experienced heads within the Rams' ranks and the addition of Corey Blackett-Taylor has only strengthened Warne's options.

For Esse, a club near the top end of the table could provide an excellent environment to aid his development. As per FotMob, Derby have created the highest number of big chances in the third tier (69), while Millwall have only created 40 in the Championship.

A club heading in the right direction and creating plenty of chances feels like an excellent environment for any young player.

January window key to Derby County's promotion hopes

The signing of Blackett-Taylor was an eye-catching piece of business. The 26-year-old's electric pace and dribbling ability are unique and will certainly benefit Derby between now and the end of the season.

To date, the former Aston Villa youngster is the only piece of business completed by Warne, and after recent form, there's cause for concern.

Warne's side were fortunate to beat Burton, disappointing in the draw to Lincoln, and deservedly beaten by Reading.

With the League One automatic promotion race contested by at least five teams, there's no room for extended patches of poor form. Despite Derby's squad being littered with talent, one of two fresh faces could raise the mood around Pride Park.

Sheffield Wednesday striker Michael Smith is one name who has been linked with a move to the East Midlands, as Warne looks to reunite with the 32-year-old striker, having worked together at Rotherham United.