John Terry will look to make former Chelsea and England team-mate Ashley Cole part of his management team if he is given the job at Derby, according to reports.
The Rams are looking for a new head coach after sacking Phillip Cocu in November with Terry one of the front-runners alongside current interim boss Wayne Rooney.
As reported by Sportsmail, there are those close to Sheik Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan - near to completing a £60million takeover of the club - who believe Terry would be able to revive Derby's fortunes.
According to Mirror Sport, Terry is lining up Cole to join him at the Championship club.
The former left back is currently an academy coach at Chelsea and also works as a TV pundit but Terry reportedly thinks he can make the coaching step-up to senior football.
The pair won nine trophies during Cole's eight-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
Terry is part of Dean Smith's coaching staff at Aston Villa but has made no secret of his desire to move into management.
The 39-year-old received the backing of another of his former team-mates and close friend Frank Lampard. The Chelsea boss started his managerial career at Derby and took them to the Championship play-off final in the 2018-2019 season.
'I think it's a great opportunity potentially for him if it is true, and also for Derby,' said Lampard.
'I've got a lot of affection for Derby from my time there and I know what a great club it is and what great fans they have.
'John will be a hungry, ambitious manager whether it's Derby or another opportunity. He's going to be a fantastic coach.'
Derby are currently led by ex-England and Manchester United legend Rooney, who is part of a a four-man interim coaching team that have been in charge since Cocu's sacking last month. Rooney remained on the pitch for the first two games but moved into the dugout for the matches against Wycombe and Coventry, which both ended in 1-1 draws.
The Rams have gone 11 games without a win and sit bottom of the Championship. Rooney is keen to take the job permanently but is happy to return to playing if he misses out.
The 35-year-old admitted he has been tapping into the experience of Steve McClaren as he looks to steer the club away from danger.
Former Derby and England boss McClaren returned to the club as technical director last week and Rooney said: 'It's been having great Steve in because it's my first time doing this job.
'I'm confident of doing it but of course... if I'm in doubt over anything then it's great to have Steve there to bounce things off and get his experience.'
Rooney will remain in temporary charge while the prospective takeover of Sheikh Khaled drags on.