Derby County are plotting a move to sign Cardiff City defender Curtis Nelson in January, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Bluebirds exit likely

The centre-back has fallen out of favour under interim boss Mark Hudson in south Wales, having made just seven league appearances this season, so an exit during the winter may well be on the cards.

The 29-year-old’s contract with the Bluebirds is set to expire at the end of the season, which has alerted potential suitors to his situation, and it appears that the Rams are keen on bringing him to League One.

The Latest: Derby eyeing Nelson

According to Nixon (via Football League World), Derby are ‘interested’ in getting Nelson to Pride Park in the New Year, with Paul Warne wanting to ‘capitalise’ on the player's circumstances by ‘striking a deal’.

The report states that the Rams boss is ‘looking to add more depth’ to his defensive ranks as a result of not being ‘keen’ to rely on the experienced partnership of Curtis Davies and Richard Stearman to remain fully fit for the remainder of the season.

The Verdict: Davies' long-term successor?

Davies isn’t getting any younger (37) and is likely to be coming towards the end of his career, so if he doesn’t commit to a fresh deal at the end of the campaign, Nelson would seem to be an ideal successor.

Dubbed ‘excellent’ by former Cardiff manager Steve Morison, the defender currently averages 3.3 clearances and two successful aerial duels per 90 minutes in the league (WhoScored).

Nelson would likely be rewarded with more game-time in the Midlands, and with him in need of minutes and Derby in need of reinforcements, this is a prospective move which would appear to suit both parties.