Derby chairman Adam Pearson reckons the Rams have sent out a signal of intent to their Championship rivals with the five signings made so far.Paul Jewell has already heavily invested in strengthening his squad in the shape of Nathan Ellington, Jordan Stewart, Paul Green, Ruben Zadkovich and Paul Connolly.

And with another set to be announced on Monday, Pearson told the club's official website: "We are well ahead of everyone else in the Championship with our planning and recruitment - nobody has been as busy as we have since the season concluded.

Derby have sold over 21,000 season tickets for next season already and Pearson added: "I can't praise the fans enough for the great patience they have shown while we have been working behind the scenes to reshape and freshen up the squad for next season's promotion push."

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