Four ins and outs Derby County could complete this week

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The 2018/19 campaign represents the dawning of a new era at Derby County, with the Rams set to embark on a Championship assault with Frank Lampard at the helm in his first managerial position.

The former Chelsea and England midfielder was handed the task of reviving the East Midlands-based club after Gary Rowett decided to join Stoke City earlier in the summer, having failed to win promotion at Pride Park last season.

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In recent weeks the Rams’ transfer activity has gone up a notch and before they take on Reading in the Championship curtain-raiser this Friday, they could see another couple of players arrive at the club.

It will be extremely interesting to see how Derby get on under the stewardship of Lampard, but it does have to be said that he has given himself the best possible chance of success by keeping the core of the side that reached the play-offs last season together.

With another busy week expected in the East Midlands, TBR Football took a look at four transfer deals that could take place during the next seven days.

New midfield recruit

Derby County are extremely close to signing number five for the summer with Reading playmaker George Evans set to pen terms with the Rams, after a fee in the region of £1 million was accepted, according to Sky Sports.

The former Manchester City trainee played 18 times for the Royals last season but boss Paul Clement clearly doesn’t see him as part of his plans for the 2018/19 campaign, and could reinvest the funds recouped into other areas of his squad.

Evans will add some youthful exuberance to the Rams’ midfield, perfectly complementing the experienced campaigners such as Bradley Johnson and Tom Huddlestone.

Another striker set to sign

According to Mirror (29th July, 19:59) journalist James Nursey, Derby will finally conclude a deal to sign Ipswich Town striker Martyn Waghorn – but only when the Tractor Boys have recruited themselves a replacement for the wantaway talisman.

The 28-year-old found the net on 16 occasions last season and the Rams are wanting the ex-Rangers man to come to the club and challenge for a place alongside big-money signing Jack Marriott.

Lampard has previously highlighted his intentions to bolster his attacking options and, if he can get Waghorn over the line, he would certainly boast a potent strikeforce at his disposal.

Martin to depart?

Chris Martin has struggled with injury problems during this pre-season and although he did make his comeback for the Rams’ U-23 side last Monday, it could soon become apparent that his future doesn’t lie at Pride Park.

One potential for the striker could be Queens Park Rangers, who are currently managed by ex-Derby boss Steve McClaren, and according to Football.London their interest is legitimate. 

Martin has lost his way in recent years and a reunion with McClaren at Loftus Road could be just the tonic needed for the 29-year-old to get his career back on track.

Danish delight

According to the Mirror (28th July, 21:37) live blog, Derby could be about to offer a lifeline to Birmingham City full-back Kristian Pedersen who currently finds himself in limbo at St. Andrew’s.

The 23-year-old signed a four-year contract with the Blues earlier in the summer but financial uncertainties at the West Midlands-based club have seen them placed under a transfer embargo, which could make Pedersen ineligible to play for his new club until a resolution is determined.

The Rams are hopeful of securing a loan deal for the Denmark U-23 international.