Derby County owner David Clowes has lifted the lid on conversations with the club's head coach Paul Warne ahead of the January transfer window. The Rams head into the winter market looking to strengthen their ranks and make adjustments to a squad that currently sits in 16th place after 22 games following promotion from League One last season.

Six points separate the Rams from the relegation zone ahead of a tricky couple of fixtures over the Christmas period with West Bromwich Albion heading to Pride Park on Boxing Day and Leeds United making the same journey on Sunday. There isn't expected to be a radical overhaul of the Rams' playing ranks in January, but efforts could be made to improve Warne's options up front as well as move on players struggling for game time.

Clowes, in an address to supporters on Christmas Eve, outlined Derby's stance on moves heading into the January window. "I know the transfer window is just a week or so away and there will be furious speculation among fans as to what might happen," Clowes told the club's website.

READ MORE: Al-Hamadi signs, goalscoring midfielder arrives - Derby County's dream transfer window

READ MORE: Derby County man has 'agreed a deal' to make permanent transfer

"We're not going to be so naïve as to play out all our work publicly, that would be foolish. What I will say is that there have been extremely calm and measured discussions with Paul Warne, he has outlined exactly the areas he feels we need to improve, and we have agreed with his strategy and will do our utmost to meet his requests.

"We have stuck firmly to the business plan and that means there are both funds available and space within the squad to strengthen without threatening our financial position. There will be no panic, no mad splurges that go against our plans, we will operate in a way that maintains our stability while adding quality to an already talented squad."

Clowes has also made clear that the club has never felt the need to make any alterations to the club's coaching staff and contrasted Derby's fortunes with fellow promotion winners Portsmouth and Oxford United, in 20th and 23rd place respectively. "Where we are both in the division and as a club as a whole is exactly where we need to be," Clowes said.

READ MORE: 'I've earned it' - Derby County transfer target talks ambition and why clubs would want to sign him

READ MORE: Derby County man has 'agreed a deal' to make permanent transfer

"Yes, there have been some disappointing results, that's natural and was the case last season and every season since I've been supporting Derby County. However, we haven't allowed them to destabilise us or knock us off course and there has never been a moment's panic.

"Compare our current position to those clubs who joined us out of League One and I think their fans would swap without a moment's hesitation."