Rams still hopeful over duo

Clough is keen to bolster his defensive options ahead of the forthcoming Championship campaign. The Rams had a bid for Blackpool captain Barker rejected by the Seasiders last month while they were also rebuffed by Crewe in January when they made an approach for Brayford, who played under Clough at Burton. Both players remain on Derby's radar and Clough confirmed: "They are a couple we would like in and we will have to wait and see how that goes in the next few weeks."