Derby County's biggest positional needs going into the summer transfer window

Paul Warne will be keen to bolster his squad before the start of the new season and with both a step up to the Championship and an ageing squad, he will need to make serious improvements.

Currently, the Rams have the oldest squad in the Championship and a number of positions that need improving if they are to survive in the second tier.

With big name departures such as Max Bird, Conor Hourihane, Dwight Gayle and Ebou Adams, Warne will need to be active in this summer’s transfer window.

The Rams are yet to sign anyone, but the Derby boss will have his eye on a number of key positions in the squad that will need improving.

Goalkeeper

Derby currently only have Josh Vickers under contract who it is doubted whether he will be good enough to be a first choice in the Championship.

With Joe Wildsmith departed, Warne has already been rumoured to a couple of goalkeeper names, most notably ex-Brighton man Matthew Ryan.

Left wing back

With Callum Elder being the only natural left wing back in the squad, Warne will want to add another as last season he had to put Louie Sibley in the position when he is a natural centre midfielder.

Centre midfielder

The majority of player departures for the Rams have come in midfield with Max Bird, Conor Hourihane, Korey Smith and Ebou Adams all leaving.

Paul Warne will want to add at least one attacking and one defensive midfielder that can help improve the spine of this Derby team. If he doesn’t then the Championship could be very tricky indeed.

Striker

Derby currently just have one striker under contract; Conor Washington. They are negotiating with James Collins, but two strikers over the age of 30 won’t cut it.

Warne will need to sign a proven and exciting goalscorer to help the Rams with pace in attack and to have someone on the end of the build up play from quality playmakers like Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Joe Ward and Kane Wilson.