Today sees the return of the widely celebrated ‘Transfer Deadline day’ A day that will inevitably see ridiculous amounts of money being thrown at overpriced and overrated talent in a bid to strengthen sides who are looking to add to their squads. For a long time now I have held the opinion that the transfer deadline day should come before the season starts, with only a loan window available through to January. This stops bigger, wealthier clubs poaching the top performers from clubs who would enjoy a little extra pocket money.
As all football followers know, the transfer period is full of ‘In the know’ accounts making up farfetched rumours as well as interviews with club officials who would inevitably fail at pulling poker faces.
To the good stuff now.
This article will feature on the on goings at Derby County and where I think business will need to be done if the Premier League is where the club really sees themselves next year.
First order of business? SELL!
Mel Morris, Owner of Derby County, hasn’t been shy when it comes to splashing the cash and bringing players into the club, but we are yet to see the other side of him. As far as player sales have gone, Raul Albentosa was perhaps the only ‘big’ sale since Morris took over the club, but that looks likely to be surpassed on today’s deadline day.
Jeff Hendrick – Ireland international, DCFC academy graduate and first team squad player with the Rams looks to be on his way for a record sale figure by Derby worth around £10million. 
The suitors? Premier League Burnley. The Clarets have previously shown an interest in fellow Derby midfielder Craig Bryson before tabling a bid of around £10million for Hendrick. This deal seems almost imminent. After following an impressive Euro’s tournament Burnley were the first side to show interest in a deal that would be worth it for all parties. Hendrick has been inconsistent to say the least for Derby, a trait that hampered not only personal performances but team performences too. Maybe the young lad has run his course with the Rams but only time will tell.
Chances of happening? — 99% sure it will go through (medical being taken)
Chris Martin – The kingpin of the last 3 years, Chris Martin has somewhat led Derby to recent success. Every passage of play was put to Martin be it through goals or assists as the ‘big man’ led the forward line. 
However over the past year his influence and production has declined and this has come as a result of a change of formation and emphasis. It seemed the player was unwilling to adapt and therefore a change in attitude has led to a change in performances. For me it’s a case of ‘in with the new out with the old’ as good as Martin HAS been, I can’t see him being at the forefront of a promotion party in Derby.
Where will he go? Favourites – Wolves, Ipswich or Fulham
Chances of happening? – 70%
Darren Bent – 
The experienced poacher has had a tough time at Derby, finding match starts hard to come by as well as goals. It seems Chris Martin was preferred over Bent but as the arrival of a few new strikers may leave him further down the pecking order, a move away from the IPro may make more sense. Not a highlight sale (if it goes through) and one that hasn’t caught the eye of the media yet, but again it’s only joining dots and following sources.
Where will he go? Favourites – Ipswich
Chances of happening? – 30%
Johnny Russell – Fan favourite, passionate player but often an underperformer, is someone who relies heavily on confidence. When all cogs are turning he is a very impressive winger and after being signed by Nigel Clough he has been a very handy addition to the side.
However with the emergence of Abdoul Camara and the ‘talent’ of Tom Ince, Russell will struggle to keep his place if the inconsistency continues. As Derby looked to pursue Kodjia from Bristol City (before his move to Aston Villa) Lee Johnson confirmed the interest in Russell but it seems that has died down since.
Where will he go? Favourites – Bristol City
Chances of happening? 20%
With Lee Grant already confirmed to Stoke City on loan, who’s to now who will be the next out the door. Obviously I have my own ideas of who I feel should be out of the Derby door, including a certain Mr Keogh, Christie and Blackman. So now it’s with Nigel Pearson and Sam Rush to decide where Derby will go from here
Beaten by the buzzer! 