Two Signings That Could Help Derby County Stay In The Top-2
Gary Rowett and the Rams are currently flying high in 2nd place in the Championship table, with the team scoring freely and keeping it very tight at the back. With Cameron Jerome already at the club and a lot of young players out through the door on loan, Rowett may still be looking to balance the squad.
There is a talk of Chris Martin and Darren Bent being the next players to go out. However, staying out there at the top between now and the end of the season has traditionally been a big problem for the East Midlands side, and these two players could certainly take them to the next level.
Nelson Oliveira
Although Nelson Oliveira is a former Nottingham Forest player, it is unlikely that Rams fans would not welcome the signing of this Norwich City striker to Pride Park. With 17 appearances at international level for Portugal and experience in the Premier League, La Liga, and Ligue 1, he would be a cut above the current Derby squad.
If Derby do manage to offload some of their unwanted strike force over the January window, a player like Oliveira would give Rowett a different option going into the second half of the season, which would be vital as more teams work out Derby’s style of play.
Looking at Derby’s squad now, it would probably need a major overhaul in the summer if they were to get promoted. Oliveira has 10 appearances in the Premier League already and has survived a relegation battle with Swansea City. This kind of experience would be invaluable for the Rams if they follow Wolves to the Premier League.
Reece Burke
The West Ham defender has had an exciting few days, returning from Bolton on loan to play both games for West Ham against Shrewsbury in the FA Cup. In the replay at the London Stadium, he scored a 112th-minute volley to ensure a victory for the East London side and book their place in the 4th round.
Before that, he had made 14 appearances for a struggling Bolton and won the Player of the Year award at Bradford City. Derby have two excellent and experienced central defenders in Curtis Davis and Richard Keogh but Alex Pearce, their backup, wants out of the club. Derby may well find themselves needing cover in that position and who better than this exciting young talent.