After a relatively slow start, things are certainly looking up for Derby as the Rams endeavour to finally put last season’s promotion pain behind them.

Despite manager Paul Clement’s side have their 10 match unbeaten run ended by Nottingham Forest last weekend,, the ex-Real Madrid assistant has certainly stamped his authority on the club after going the first five games of season without victory.

The iPro Stadium outfit are just four points off the Championship summit, and have lost just twice all season. In Chris Martin, they possess one of the top strikers in the division, and have £6m Bradley Johnson in midfield to help provide support.

The squad is clearly in good nick, considering their stellar run. However, an injury Craig Forsyth is the second serious layoff suffered this season, after the defender suffered a similar fate to young Will Hughes in damaging ligaments in his knee.

The news will come as a blow, and serve as a reminder that the notoriously gruelling Championship campaign is a strain on any squad.

As a result, Clement could be tempted into making some January additions in effort to stave off a similar heartache the last two seasons have brought.

Here are FIVE Derby January transfer rumours that may happen…

Conor Chaplin

The young Portsmouth attacker has been linked with a move to Derbyshire recently, and ironically scored the winner against them in an FA Cup tie back in August.

Reports suggest Clement has commissioned a scouting operation in order to run the rule over the 18-year old, though Premier League juggernauts Liverpool have been linked with making a swoop.

A versatile attacker, the teenager could be a deal with one eye on the future. Chris Martin is obviously the first choice frontman, but moving for the Pompey man could be wise. Learning his trade in a competitive outfit such as the Rams would certainly be ideal.

Scott Fraser

Targeting young players seems to be somewhat of a recurring theme for the club, who seem to be after hot prospects before their price rockets. Dundee United’s Scott Fraser has been impressing at Tannadice, establishing himself as one of the best youngsters in Scotland, leading to links with the club.

The youngster has broken into the first-team this season, after a successful loan at Airdrie last year.

Dundee United have a rather prestigious academy, so a graduate of the setup is not be taken lightly. Though, like Chaplin, the 20-year-old midfielder is unlikely to force his way into first-team proceedings, he could initially serve as an energetic backup.

With Swansea also linked, the Rams could pull off a major coup.

James Wilson

James Wilson, seemingly a target for every Championship club, was confirmed by manager Paul Clement as having been the subject of a loan enquiry last month.

The 19-year old can’t buy a place in the first team at Manchester United, despite their struggles in front of goal. Where the two aforementioned targets are presumably with one eye on the future, Wilson would provide genuine competition for Chris Martin.

He has been linked with a move to Celtic in January, though the Bhoys recently added Carlton Cole to their attacking ranks. An upwardly mobile team like Derby would surely appeal to the England under-21 ace on a temporary basis.

Alex Pritchard

Following the injury to Will Hughes, the club were linked with making a move for Tottenham midfielder Alex Pritchard as a replacement. Now, it’s not as if the side has crumbled without Hughes, and a need for a winger may be more pressing, but the 22-year old would be a wise addition.

Skilful and positive, Spurs are said to be open to loan offers for the player, and he could provide some welcome cover across the winter months. He impressed while on loan at Brentford, and would help ease the burden coming into the business end of the season.

Matty Foulds

Another youngster here, in the shape of Bury centre-back Matty Foulds. Again, not one likely to force Jason Shackell out of the starting line-up, but the 17-year old is apparently attracting interest from the Rams, Everton and Aston Villa.

The defence has proved a solid base, so major squad surgery isn’t exactly a priority. However, the addition of an exciting youngster is never a bad thing – particularly one coveted by those in the top tier of English football.

Creating an exciting side for the future appears to be one of the biggest priorities in play at the iPro.