John Eustace may have Derby County, Jerry Yates fear following Swansea City development | OneFootball

The Rams' head coach has indicated that he may look to make Yates' loan permanent in the summer, but Swansea have their own problems.

Derby County are potentially just one victory away from all but securing their Championship status for another year following their incredible 3-1 win over West Bromwich Albion on Monday afternoon.

First-half goals from Ebou Adams and Jerry Yates handed the Rams the advantage heading into the break, and while Adam Armstrong was able to halve the deficit for the hosts, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing spectacularly restored his team's two-goal lead in the final moments to take all three points back to the East Midlands.

John Eustace's side travel to Hull City on Saturday as they look for back-to-back away wins for the first time this season. If they manage to beat the Tigers and Luton Town lose to Coventry City, then they will take a three-point lead heading into the final day over the Hatters, with a significantly better goal difference.

The arrival of the 45-year-old at Pride Park in February has coincided with a huge upturn in form for Derby, but this summer is a big one for the club and they may have one eye on keeping hold of their on-loan striker, but Swansea City may have their own issues at hand that could stop this.

Yates' potential future at Derby may be in doubt due to Swansea situation

Yates' goal against the Baggies was his 10th in the Championship this season, and while he probably should have found the back of the net more, he has been crucial to the Rams' attacking play.

Eustace has said in the past that the forward's future is something that will be discussed in the summer as he does still have a year to go on his contract in South Wales, where, at this moment in time, he is unlikely to be the first-choice.

However, the form of Zan Vipotnik in recent weeks is attracting clubs from outside of the EFL, according to TeamTalk, with Belgian, German and Saudi Arabian sides taking an interest in him.

If he does depart, then Swansea may be less willing to let go of Yates immediately as they will be searching for a replacement for the Slovenian and if they are unable to do so, Derby's current number 10 may have to take on the role that could be available.

This will be a disruption for the Rams if they plan to make a move for the 28-year-old, and it could be a point of frustration for Eustace as he prepares for a monumental turnover at Pride Park.

Yates is the perfect back-up striker for Derby

This season has been one to forget for Derby for the most part, but if they are able to survive, then it can be seen as a huge success after only winning promotion from League One last April.

It would also give them a better chance of finding the players that they need to progress in the summer, and while Yates has not been as prolific as he could have been, he is the perfect player to come off the bench or play alongside another number nine.

His energy and pressing up front has been vital to Derby moving out of the bottom three and closer to safety in recent weeks and he has fully bought in to what Eustace has brought to DE24.

However, the Rams will be keeping an eye on Vipotnik's Swansea future, as this may stop any approach for Yates before it is even made.