Clough cautious in transfer market

Rams manager Nigel Clough and his team have managed to bring in Three players ahead of the new 2009-10 season but is hoping to add a few more before the kick-off on August 8th.

Derby have brought in players on a shoe string budget including Lee Croft, Ben Pringle and Jake Buxton. Clough is hopeful that more will follow during July and said "Everyone is leaving it late" and he doesn't rule out further transfer.

Shaun Barker(left) seen here in a tussle with Rams midfield ace Kris Commons last season is top of Nigel Clough's wanted list but players have to be sold to finance the deal.

Top of the Rams list of possible targets is Shaun Barker of Blackpool and John Brayford of Crewe, although it is understood that departures will determine if the Rams are in a financial position to make bids on these players.

Already removed from the Rams wage bill are Andy Todd, who has departed to Perth Glory in Australia. Following him down under has been Mile Sterjovski, whilst Premslaw Kazmierczak, Nacer Barazite, John Eustace, and Barry Bannan have all returned from their loan periods with the Rams.

Clough added that it is "departures that hold the key" to future transfer deals, which signals that the Rams owners are not preparing to add to any transfer kitty.

Derby are actively seeing new clubs for players who are not considered to be in the running for a first team place next season but are finding it difficult to off-load players in the present financial climate but are still trying to find good deals for the players and the club...