Derby County have been highly busy in the transfer market this summer, signing nine new players.
However, there is still lots of room for improvement, and the Premier League may be the place to look.
The Rams have previously benefited from top-flight loans, with players like as Fikayo Tomori, Harry Wilson, and Mason Mount going on to establish themselves in both the Premier League and Serie A.
Derby have made only two loan signings in 2024/25: David Ozoh and Jerry Yates. Teams in the EFL can have up to five loanees in their matchday squads, giving Paul Warne the option of bringing in additional before the August 30 deadline.
Warne has admitted that he will be unable to sign a striker on a permanent basis before the transfer window closes, but has stated that the club is working on a target.
With that in mind, FLW has looked at two Premier League players who Derby should target before the transfer window closes on Friday at 11 p.m.
Owen Beck
Owen Beck, 22, was near-perfect for Dundee last season while on loan from Liverpool, and despite being recalled by the Reds in January owing to an injury problem, he was nominated to the PFA Scotland Premiership team of the year for 2023/24.
The left-back returned to Scotland to finish the season and has sparked strong interest from Celtic. However, it is unclear whether Liverpool intends to loan or sell the highly rated teenager.
The arrival of Arne Slot has left several of Liverpool’s younger players unsure of their futures, and those who were highly regarded by Jürgen Klopp may depart the North West sooner than they originally believed.
With that in mind, Derby should make a bid for Beck, especially given their true lack of cover at left-back if Callum Elder or Craig Forsyth are injured this season.
The 22-year-old’s attacking skill, which includes two goals and four assists for Dundee, might be a big factor for the Rams if they pursue a loan move.
A number of Championship clubs and Celtic have been connected, but Derby should put themselves in the mix.
Ronnie Stutter
Warne has been looking for a striker all summer and does not appear satisfied with his current alternatives, despite the Rams scoring five goals in their first three games in all competitions.
Conor Washington is especially unpopular, and Chelsea’s Ronnie Stutter, 19, could be the ideal replacement for the 32-year-old.
The 19-year-old has yet to go out on loan in his career, but with alternatives becoming increasingly limited for the Rams, he could be worth a gamble after scoring 11 goals in 14 Premier League 2 games last season.
Stutter has four U19 caps for England and is a very promising striker. Chelsea’s roster issues will limit his engagement with the first team in the coming years, so receiving his first taste of senior football in the East Midlands could be the perfect opportunity to demonstrate his abilities to those at Stamford Bridge.
Derby should pursue a loan deal for the teenager, who might build an excellent working relationship with the Rams’ own intriguing young striker, Dajaune Brown.