Derby County must not let these 2 transfer scenarios happen next month | OneFootball

Highlights

The January transfer window is certainly going to be an important one for Derby County, as they look to secure promotion back to the Championship this season.

Having missed out on a place in the League One play-offs on the final day of last season, Paul Warne's side will no doubt be keen to go at least one better this time around.

As things stand, they do have the chance to do that, with the Rams one of a number of clubs currently battling for a top six spot in the League One table.

It will therefore be crucial for the club, that they do things right in the January window - in terms of recruitment and departures - to ensure they have a squad capable of keeping them there, for the rest of the campaign.

So with that in mind, we've taken a look at two scenarios that Derby County simply cannot afford to let happen in the January transfer window, right here.

Losing both Eiran Cashin and Max Bird

Two players Derby may face a battle to retain in the January transfer window are Eiran Cashin and Max Bird.

Both were linked with moves away in January, with Cashin seeing a late move to Brighton fall through, while Bird was linked with a reunion with Liam Rosenior at Hull City before the midfielder picked up an injury.

It has since been reported that Cashin is attracting attention from multiple clubs ahead of the turn of the year, while Hull are still thought to be keen on a deal for Bird.

Given their influence and ability, losing one of those two players would be a blow, but to see both depart could be hugely damaging. As a result, you feel that the Rams should ensure they keep at least one of the duo around, to ensure they do not lose a major part of the spine of their team.

Indeed, it could be argued that even if they were to sell just one of the pair, given the attention they are attracting it would still bring in plenty of funds to reinvest in strengthening the squad adequately over the course of next month.

Failing to agree a new striker deal

As things stand, Derby could find themselves short on centre-forward options come the January transfer window.

Tyreece John-Jules' loan move from Arsenal is set to expire at the turn of the year, while Conor Washington has been ruled out for several months through injury, which means James Collins and Martyn Waghorn could soon be the club's only recognised centre-forward options.

With both players in a similar mould and approaching the latter stages of their careers at 33 years old, you do wonder whether they alone will be enough to provide the goals the Rams need to stay in the promotion chase.

As a result, at least one other striking option who may be able to offer something different for Warne's side when it comes to a spark and mobility, may be needed while the market is open.

If they are unable to complete such a deal though, questions may be asked about whether Derby County would have the firepower required, to remain competitive for the whole of the campaign.