The four positions Derby County need to strengthen during the transfer window

Derby County will find themselves facing tougher opposition next season as they make the step back up to the Championship.

With that in mind, Paul Warne will be keen on adding some talent to the squad to help make that step.

Last summer, the Rams signed 11 new players on mixture of free agent and loan deals, they will need to savvy again this time around if they are to succeed in the Championship.

However, with a few departures and expiring contracts means that Warne will need to fill some holes in Derby’s squad.

But what positions should the Derby boss start looking to strengthen.

Goalkeeper

With Joe Wildsmith’s contract expiring and a number of Championship and Premier League clubs interested in him, the Rams may be forced to add a new shot stopper for next season.

They currently have Josh Vickers also in the squad and so could do with adding another goalkeeper should Wildsmith leave.

They have been linked with Rotherham United keeper Viktor Johansson and so are already looking to add goalkeeping talent.

Left wing back

Paul Warne likes to play with two wing backs ahead of three defenders at the back. This season he has had Callum Elder who has struggled with injury issues.

Furthermore, he has had to force natural midfielder Louie Sibley to play as a wing-back and so could be keen on adding some depth at the position.

Centre midfield

With Max Bird on his way to Bristol City, Ebou Adams going back to Cardiff and both Conor Hourihane and Korey Smith’s contracts expiring, centre midfield could be one of the bigger needs for the Rams.

Warne may need to add a couple of names in midfield, one of which could be a permanent return for Ebou Adams who the Rams are keen on bringing back to Pride Park.

A mixture of youth and experience will be needed for the Championship in midfield due to the physicality of the division.

Striker

Derby’s biggest need throughout last season was at the striker position as they had a number of ageing goalscorers throughout the year.

With Martyn Waghorn, James Collins and Dwight Gayle’s contracts expiring, the only striker for now is Conor Washington.

The Rams will be desperate to add a couple of proven goalscorers because it could be the difference between relegation and Championship survival.