Paul Warne hopes Derby County are closer to making a breakthrough in their quest to strengthen his squad this month and maintains he is not frustrated by the lack of movement.

Derby are eager to bolster their attack but have yet to make an addition with sides in and around them in the Championship starting to do their business in what is set to be a pivotal period of ins and outs.

Under former Rams boss Gary Rowett, Oxford have added Chelsea's midfielder Alex Matos to their ranks on top of adding striker Ole Romeny in a club-record deal.

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Plymouth have signed Swedish midfielder Michael Baidoo while Luton have completed a £5m move for Middlesbrough's Isaiah Jones as clubs in the second tier start to make their presence felt. But Derby head coach Warne says he is also hoping that they are also closing in on a couple of their own targets.

"It's not a frustration because I know we will get players in before the end of the window," he said. "I know some things you have to wait for. There are a lot of conversations and hard work going on because everyone can see we need some help in the team.

"I wouldn't say I am frustrated but every manager would say they want their signings in before the next league game. That would be the dream. I know Plymouth's transfer was one organised in the summer and was quite easy to resurrect. But I want to strengthen because everybody else is. Hopefully, we are closer to a couple."

Derby will back Warne in the market, but it will be in keeping with their sensible and prudent financial approach. Asked whether they could compete with the level of spending given Luton's signing of Jones, Warne responded: "I don't know if we can compete with that.

"We have to make good choices and that's what we are trying to do. That's probably why they are taking a bit longer. I don't want to compare myself with other clubs. I am happy with a big portion of the group and I know we need to improve.

"We are doing everything we can in our remit. Other clubs are doing what they can and we are doing all we can. With all the lads I have coming back, we should look a much stronger side as the month progresses."

What do Derby need in the transfer market this month? Have your say HERE.