The Derby County manager continues to seek reinforcements for his squad ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season.

So far, the Rams have made five confirmed signings this campaign, aiming to strengthen a team that saw several key players depart over the summer.

Paul Warne has notably focused on enhancing his midfield options for the new season, bringing in players like Ben Osborn. Additionally, Kenzo Goudmijn, David Ozoh, and former loanee Ebou Adams have joined the squad, significantly changing Warne’s midfield choices, which previously included Conor Hourihane, Korey Smith, and Louie Sibley.

The attacking lineup has also seen significant improvements with the additions of Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates. However, Warne remains unsatisfied with the current squad and plans for more signings.

Paul Warne, the head coach of Derby County, is preparing for a meeting with a potential new signing. Derby County is nearing its sixth signing of the summer, with Warne confirming a scheduled Zoom call with a player this week.

Speaking to Derbyshire Live, Warne said, “I have a Zoom call on Tuesday with a player, but I still can’t have him until he’s with the club.”

Warne added, “Another one is in the pipeline hopefully – then there are two, one is ticking along under the surface but that won’t last forever. Another, a loan, is being kept in the building. I feel like we have the targets of players who we want to try and get in and to help this team, but until they’re in the building you just never know. We highlighted the need for another middle centre half, we’ve highlighted that we need another keeper. We’re short there, and in the attacking end. We’re close, but the later loan deals and the ones you want, you have to wait for.”

Warne had previously stressed the need for additional recruits at Derby County ahead of the new season, indicating that they still had a long way to go in the transfer window.

Pre-season has been revealing for Warne, with the Rams facing defeats against Chesterfield and Shrewsbury Town. While pre-season focuses on improving players’ fitness, it also highlights the need for a striker signing for Warne’s team. Derby County has only scored one goal in the last two games, netted by James Collins, who, at 33, may not be able to provide consistent goal-scoring at this level.

It’s evident that a goalkeeper was needed before the pre-season period started, and this remains the case, with Josh Vickers being the only senior goalkeeper. The recent games have underscored the necessity for a reliable goal-scorer and someone with the pace to challenge a Championship defense.