Two players Derby County must offload in January transfer window
Derby County’s first season under new manager Frank Lampard has already had a number of ups and downs.
In their 15 matches in all competitions so far, Derby County knocked out Manchester United from the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford and swept away an in-form Brentford side in fantastic fashion at Pride Park. The Rams have also bagged late winners away at Reading and Hull City.
On the flipside, Lampard’s boys have been humbled at home by Leeds United and also by Millwall, Rotherham and Bolton away from home.
Derby, who are eighth on the Championship table, have not been able to gather any momentum due to inconsistent results. The summer signings have performed well till date but Lampard needs to cut out the unwanted players from his squad if he wishes to add a couple of fresh faces in January.
That being said, here are two players Derby County must offload in January.
Ikechi Anya
Ikechi Anya is yet to feature for Derby this season due to his long-term injury problems. In fact, Anya barely featured under former manager Gary Rowett last season.
The Scotsman is a versatile player, capable of playing as a full-back, wing-back and also on either flank.
But as things stand, Anya is yet to make an appearance for Lampard this term and doesn’t look like he has a future at Pride Park.
Due to an overload of options, it is difficult to see the 30-year-old getting a chance at the club. It appears the winter transfer window would be the perfect opportunity for Derby to offload Anya.
Jacob Butterfield
Jacob Butterfield spent the previous season away on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and royally struggled to make an impact despite playing 21 games in all competitions. The 28-year-old had a tough time with the Owls and often found himself as a subject of criticism from the fans.
Now back at Derby, Butterfield is yet to play this season and has been spending time with the U23s. In fact, the 28-year-old is struggling to make it to the Derby bench under Lampard.
Read more: Why Derby must complete a January swoop for this 23-year-old Scottish Premier League sensation
However, given the number of options in the midfield at Derby and considering the fact that Butterfield is in the final year of his contract, the Rams should consider cashing in on him this January.