“The honest truth…” - Paul Warne sends Derby County transfer message | OneFootball

Paul Warne has opened up on Derby County's transfer plans ahead of the February 3rd deadline.

Derby County boss Paul Warne has confirmed the club are in talks to bring in three new signings, as he stressed the importance of recruiting players with Championship experience.

The Rams are yet to win a game in 2025, and a run of five successive defeats in the league has left Warne’s men just one point and one place above the relegation zone.

Therefore, fans are hoping to see the squad improved this month, and whilst Lars-Jorgen Salvesen has arrived, there is a feeling that Derby need more.

Paul Warne provides Derby County transfer latest

And, it appears the East Midlands outfit could be set for a busy end to the window, as Warne told BBC Derbyshire that the club are targeting additions for multiple areas of the team.

“I think we’re progressing really well. We have three really good targets that we like. As always, they’re not ones we’re going to buy, so we’re limited to the speed of the transaction by the parent club - that’s the honest truth.

“I don’t think we’ll have someone in place by this weekend. It’d be great if we did, but honestly I don’t think it will.”

As well as that, Warne explained that Derby’s position in the table means they are trying to sign players who have played in the Championship in the past as they look to hit the ground running.

“They’ve all played at the level (Championship). One’s a potential purchase who is playing abroad but the three have all played at the level. I don’t think this window for us in our current situation is a time for developmental signings, or signings that we think might be able to help. We need proper solid citizens as I call them, people who have played at the level, know the league, have played this year and are ready to go into the starting XI.

“We do have foreign targets, whether we press on them I don’t know. There is a midfielder who has played in the Championship that’s a better fit, but as always, there’s a lot of moving forwards. We are looking at players abroad but the English Championship with three games a week at times has massive physical needs, so if we can get a British player for this position, I think that’s what we’d do.”

Derby County need to add quality this month

It should be said that Derby have been unfortunate in some games, so you could argue that the performances warranted better results.

But, the reality is that they are firmly in a relegation battle, and Warne needs to refresh the group this month if Derby are to avoid dropping straight back to League One.

Clearly, they are working hard in the background to make that happen, and he does seem confident that they will get deals over the line.

So, it’s a case of waiting to see if you are a Derby fan, and judging once the deadline passes on February 3rd.