Phillip Cocu has launched a bid to sign Leicester defender Filip Benkovic, as Derby prepare to back their manager with funds next month.

Cocu wants to agree a deal with the Premier League club to sign Benkovic on loan for the remainder of the season to boost his struggling squad.

Benkovic, a Croatia international signed by Leicester last August for £13 million, will be cleared for a loan move in January after failing to make a first-team appearance under Brendan Rodgers so far this season.

The 22 year old is highly regarded from his loan spell at Celtic last season and is a target for a number of other clubs, but Derby have identified the signing of a centre-half as a priority.

Derby are offering their full support to Cocu and are ready to make at least three signings after a difficult start in the Championship for the Dutch legend.

Cocu’s team are 17th in the league after one win in eight matches, but Derby’s board view the appointment as a long-term project.