Nigel Clough is looking to add as many as eight new players to his Derby squad during the summer. Clough's side are currently 19th in the Championship on 49 points with one game remaining - away at Reading.
"Everyone realises we need this injection of players, good players. We are not talking about millions and millions of pounds being spent, just a little sensible investment to give us a chance to progress," Clough told the Derby Telegraph.
"We will do some wheeling and dealing, we will try to get a few out and six to eight players in. It will be a mix of free transfers, fees for some and at least one biggish signing - a £1million-plus one if we can.
"We are talking to agents, clubs, players and so on, but it cannot really get going until the season ends because quite a few teams are still playing and still have things to play for.
"If we can get the players we want for next season, then we feel we can build on the positives from this season and be more competitive. We have got a few decent players, it is just about adding to them."
