Derby County won't fall behind in the summer transfer market

Chief executive Sam Rush believes changing head coach will not see Derby fall behind in the summer transfer market.

Steve McClaren was sacked by the Rams on Monday and the Sky Bet Championship club expect to be in a position to name his successor sometime next week, with Real Madrid assistant manager Paul Clement tipped to take the iPro Stadium hot seat.

Meanwhile, Rush insists Derby's recruitment department continues to identify, monitor and pursue potential signings for the new head coach to consider.

He told the club's official website: "Fans are, hopefully, aware of the way we structure the club.

"Our recruitment department is a separate stand-alone department, a 12-month operation and our targets are identified at different times.

"It is a department headed up by Chris Evans and a supportive department for the head coach.

"Players do not come in if the head coach does not want them."

Rush reckons several transfer targets have already been identified and he expects Derby to have a very strong squad again next season.

"We do not report back for pre-season training until the end of June, so there is still a fair bit of time before anything needs to be done," he said.

"Equally, players are under contract to their current clubs until the end of June as well. So we have a little bit of time but the fans should be very pleased about the targets we have identified.

"We are fortunate that Derby County is a very attractive club and there are lots of players who would like to come here.

"We are also fortunate through the ownership backing to be in a position where we can bring players in.

"As and when the new head coach is appointed, I am sure there will be a good flow of players following shortly afterwards.

"I am confident the squad that will be assembled will be a very, very strong squad, and a squad that is going to hugely excite the fans and be well positioned and equipped to tackle the new season."