Clough eager to freshen up squad

Clough admits Derby's squad will have to be trimmed before the new season

Derby County manager Nigel Clough says he expects to offload at least three players and sign a couple more before the new season gets under way.

Midfielders Lee Croft and Dean Moxey are already set to sign from Norwich and Exeter respectively.

Clough told BBC Radio Derby talks are ongoing with Blackpool's Shaun Barker and Crewe defender John Brayford.

"We are still talking to two or three and the chairman is working hard to try to get three or four out," Clough said.

"I'm expecting July and August, and even after the season starts, to be pretty busy until the transfer window closes."

We are aware that we are a little bit top heavy squad-wise so it is just as important to get rid of a few. Nigel Clough

Clough lamented his lack of defenders last season and both Brayford, who played under Clough at Burton Albion, and Barker fit the bill.

"They are a couple we would like in and we will have to wait and see how that goes in the next few weeks," he said.

"We are aware that we are a little bit top heavy squad-wise so it is just as important to get rid of a few to make way for those coming in."