Paul Simpson has admitted that Derby County are looking to bring in a new right-back this summer.
The Pride Park outfit have lost last season's regular, Andre Wisdom, back to parent club Liverpool and appear poised to sell Kieron Freeman to Sheffield United, where he spent the final two months of the 2013-2014 term.
Having relied on short-term solutions for the position over the last couple of campaigns, Rams coach Simpson has confirmed that the Derby management are intending to address their shortage in this area during the transfer window, regardless of whether Freeman stays or goes.
"It's a position we have identified that we need to bring somebody in," said Simpson in the Derby Telegraph. "You don't need to be a rocket scientist to realise that.
"Andre Wisdom was excellent for us last season and, before that, we had Adam Smith [on loan from Tottenham Hotspur].
"So right-back is an area that we need somebody else in, whether Kieron Freeman stays or not, because you've got to have cover in all positions."
Wisdom started 34 of Derby's Championship games last season, while Freeman featured six times.