Derby County are expected to have a busy transfer window, but it will not just be incomings that will generate the headlines across the summer.
With a lot of work ahead to get the squad in shape for the season’s opener, with the fixtures released next week, there may well still be room for some departures.
With every area of the squad expected to be strengthened as Derby head coach John Eustace prepares for his first full transfer window as head coach, he could have to consider some exits too.
Rams writer Lee Curtis takes a look at three candidates who could leave either permanently or on loan…
Joe Ward
The winger or wing-back, take your pick, still has one year remaining on his contract, and you sense that if a sensible offer comes in for him this summer, then the club may be tempted to part company with the ex-Peterborough man.
Ward has struggled to secure a regular first-team place at Derby and barely featured last season, although a knee operation towards the end of the campaign meant he was unavailable late on.
With Derby being linked with full-backs and looking to add more quality to their flanks, it’s hard to see where he fits in under John Eustace, particularly if the head coach reverts to his preferred 4-2-3-1 system, which is likely.
Playing right-back is also out of the question, given that Kane Wilson was the first pick when fit, particularly in the second half of the campaign. Ward has made just 28 league appearances in two years since signing from Peterborough.
Liam Thompson
Derby have offered Liam Thompson a new contract, with the midfielder now at a critical juncture in his career. At 23, he really needs to be playing regular first-team football. With Derby expected to enhance their midfield, he may well struggle.
Does he accept being a bit-part player, or does he move down a division to a club where he will play regularly?
While he remains a popular figure, the midfielder has a lot of thinking to do about what his best for his career.
He would certainly have options on the table, given he does have Championship experience, and he served up some good performances as Derby survived relegation.
But he did not start regularly, and you sense that once Derby put their ducks in a row this window, he will be in the same boat again.
Whatever happens, Derby will be entitled to compensation.
Dajaune Brown
A hamstring injury and an operation ended Brown’s contribution last term, but he is expected to return for pre-season training.
There were a number of League One and League Two clubs interested in a loan deal for the striker last season and that may well be the case again.
MK Dons were one club that was keen, but Derby ended up keeping him rather than loaning him out.
But after such a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and the fact he is still only 19, a loan move to a League One or Two club might be the best option for him.
Much of that will depend on Derby’s actions this window in terms of bolstering their striking options, and the club has to get that right this summer.
Should they add two or even three strikers to the ranks, then it’s not out of the question that Brown could be allowed out on loan.
