A miserable run of eight games without a win has seen promotion chasers Derby County slip down the Championship table at an alarming rate.
A manager who brought an incredible wave of excitement upon his arrival has left the iPro Stadium just nine months into a three-year deal, with their Premier League dream currently in tatters.
So, you’d imagine the Rams need a lift heading into the business end of the season. While the recent barren run has obviously changed the complexion of their campaign, the club are still in with a shout of reaching the Promised Land.
Perhaps the emergency window affords the chance to do just that. Some astute additions can provide the kind of short term fix the club are in desperate need for, in order to spark their season back to life.
As the Championship becomes increasingly competitive, the somewhat ironic need of adding Premier League quality to land promotion to the Premier League is fast becoming crucial.
Maybe Derby would benefit, some well thought out top tier additions can help guide their season back on track. Perhaps taking advantage of a top flight side who can ill afford to risk fielding anyone other than their big names in order to stave off relegation is a wise idea.
Enter, Newcastle United.
Though the Magpies have looked stretched in recent weeks due to a mounting defensive injury crisis, former Rams coach Steve McClaren has a surplus of stars at St. James’ Park he does not seem to fancy.
The influx of players in the North East over the course of the January transfer window has increased competition for places amid their bid to beat the drop.
With a host of big name players not able to get a look in as things stand, perhaps Derby can raid their former coach for some useful additions.
Ironically, if things work out, McClaren could end up securing the club promotion after all. Kind of.
Considering all this, here are FIVE Newcastle United players Derby County should target on loan.
YOAN GOUFFRAN
Despite a recent spell operating as a makeshift defensive midfielder, Yoan Gouffran is at his best when deployed as either a winger or a second striker.
The Frenchman was reportedly a target for Charlton, making him a feasible option for the Rams.
His pace and direct running would be a good asset to have in the side, and despite his relatively slender frame, the 29-year old boasts the physicality to deal with the Championship.
His goal threat is palpable, acting in support of a main striker.
ROLANDO AARONS
Big things were expected of Rolando Aarons, though a series of injuries have stunted the England under-20 star in the early stages of his career.
He may have recently been given a run in the side as a makeshift left-back, though the harrowing experience he had being ripped apart from Chelsea suggests he won’t be returning to that berth any time soon.
Perhaps some time away from the Toon would do him some good as he looks to recover from such a frustrating spell. We saw what a stint with the Rams did for Jordon Ibe after all, who is now an established first-teamer with Liverpool.
EMMANUEL RIVIERE
Chris Martin is an excellent all-round striker on his day, though the Scottish international has looked weary amid this torrid run. While that’s a theme running throughout their side, the striking department could use a little help.
Emmanuel Riviere has flopped since arriving on Tyneside, though perhaps that could be attributed to a sheer lack of confidence. Like Martin, the Frenchman is a handful when on form, holding off defenders and making himself the focal point of the attack.
He’s not doing much good rotting on the Toon bench, perhaps a short term move can help the former Monaco man enjoy his football once more.
CURTIS GOOD
At 22-years of age, Curtis Good is in desperate need of securing first-team football in order to kickstart his career.
No longer a youngster, the Australian international defender has previously enjoyed at Bradford and Dundee, without ever really breaking into Newcastle’s first-team.
With the Rams currently falling victim to glaring lapses in concentration, perhaps moving for the former Newcastle Jets youngster could replenish the backline with higher energy levels.
His pace could come in handy if the Rams are going to play a high defensive line as they look to force attacking play onto the opposition.
SYLVAIN MARVEAUX
Sylvain Marveaux has found life difficult on Tyneside and would certainly represent a gamble, but perhaps a left-field move like that is exactly what Derby need to spark their season.
While he’s never fit in with the North East giants, the French attacking midfielder is a fine technician and capable of playing out wide or even at Number 10.
His elegance on the ball creates space for both himself and others and his arrival in Derbyshire could stop Martin looking isolated up front at times.
