Norwegian International On McClaren's January Shopping List?
Wednesday, 11th Dec 2013 08:05 by Daniel J Sewart

With the Rams flying high and January closing in, media attention will turn to possible transfer activity, whether it be based on fact or just total fiction. The latest murmur has the Rams in for an out of favor top flight defender.

Reports from various media outlets have suggested that Steve McClaren would like to sign Crystal Palace defender Jonathan Parr on loan for the rest of the season.

The talented 25 year old Norwegian international, who has made 9 appearances for his country since 2010, was an ever present for Palace over the last two seasons in the Championship, playing 77 games. He was also voted the Eagles 'Player Of The Season' in 2011/12 with fans warming to his work ethic and exceptional level of fitness.

Parr is a proven player at Championship level whose position of choice is left back but can play on the right or in the centre of defence. His signing would definitely give the Rams squad more depth at the back and competition for Chris Forsyth, who during Derby's dream run has found form, after being an inconsistent performer for much of the season.

Since being promoted to the top flight last season, Parr has been frozen out, having not made an appearance for the Eagles to date in their 2013/14 campaign.

After taking the reigns at Selhurst Park, Tony Pulis suggested he would have no problem for Parr to find first team football on loan for the rest of the season. So as they say, the scene is set!

Ironically former Ram Dean Moxey, is one of the players keeping Parr out of the Palace team. He is 3rd or 4th choice for Pulis, so it is likely we will see him back in the Championship very soon, whether that be for Derby or another club, with his experience likely to make him a highly sought after commodity.

Speaking to the media, Steve McClaren would not be drawn on any transfer speculation, as he tries to keep a lid on the growing expectation in Derby:

"Let's get to January and see where we are and what we need to really make a push. The most important thing is the kind of club, culture and environment we are trying to create and the kind of football we are trying to play.”

"I think that is important when you are dealing with the bigger clubs. They want their players to go to a certain club and one that plays a certain style.”

"That attracts the top clubs when they are thinking of loaning out their young players and it has been successful with Simon Dawkins, Andre Wisdom and Michael Keane coming in."

His words say little and a lot, as there is no doubt McClaren will be looking up, if and when he decides he needs to add to the squad. The players he mentioned are proof that the formula he has employed so far, in terms of loaning from the top flight, is already paying dividends.

With the Rams on fire and their bench looking deeper and more talented with every match, our cup is certainly running over - long may it continue!