With Christmas closing in on us, the New Year will be close behind, which means football fans will have more than just diets and New Year resolutions to think about, things like; what should we expect in the January transfer window?

In

When it comes to the incomings, I think we could all be surprised once again, much like in August when the signing of Bradley Johnson came as a bit of a surprise and what a fantastic surprise it has turned out to be. Mel Morris could well pull the rabbit out the hat once again.

Possibly left-back cover and competition for Warnock as currently it’s Baird, which is a good temporary fix but he isn’t a natural left-sided player. Warnock has done so well and rebuilt his reputation after a difficult start to Rams life last season.

Another striker has to be a possibility as despite Martin having Bent breathing down his neck, but other than the cupboard is pretty much bare. So if the Rams lost one or both, what would happen then? A change of system? A desperate loan signing? Tough questions to answer.

Reports have linked the Rams with Crystal Palace striker Dwight Gayle but whoever the target might be, if there is in fact a target, Clement has said being Martin’s deputy is a difficult sell when trying to find new recruits for the position. Mind you if desperate the gaffer could ask Kevin Phillips, now a coach at DCFC, to dust off his shooting boots!!!

If the funds are available I wouldn’t mind seeing another wide attacker to keep Ince, Weimann and Russell on their toes.

And what about, for any other position, a good old fashioned loan player?

Unlike previous seasons we are yet to see somebody come in on loan from one of the Premier League big boys like Ibe last season or Wisdom the season before.

Maybe if the big spending is over we may have to head down that avenue to provide cover or fill any gaps that Clement identifies.

Out:

Who could leave? Certainly in the search for games and with the European Championships coming up in the summer, Alex Pearce and Chris Baird must have given departing some thought, particularly Pearce, who I think he would make a good loan signing for another Championship club.

Out of favour Simon Dawkins would probably benefit from a new club and fresh start while Ryan Shotton can’t get game time. There is also Mason Bennett who doesn’t even have a squad number yet this season despite being a regular for the under-21 side.

Nigel Clough is back in management at Burton Albion and an approach from him for a current Ram is a near certainty, Jake Buxton in particular a name that keeps coming up.

Perhaps it may not just be the fringe players heading off into the sunset… can we expect any big money offers for one of our stars like Chris Martin who might look good to a goal starved top flight team?

I think it can be said that, without doubt, any such sales would be resisted but you never know what could happen if crazy money is thrown around.

Whatever happens the Rams are likely to want to hang onto their squad and push to consolidate their position in the top two. Any moves made are likely to be made only to strengthen rather than undermine a team more than heading in the right direction.

The countdown January 1st is on but in the meantime enjoy your Christmas and may your New Year be filled with exciting new signings!

For more of Nathan's articles you can read his blog at www.derbycountyfan.com and follow him via @ramscorner on Twitter.

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