Vaughan suffered a knee injury during his first spell with Derby

Derby County manager Nigel Clough says he is prepared to be patient in his bid to re-sign Everton striker James Vaughan on loan in January.

The 21-year-old played twice for the Rams earlier this season but has since broken into the Everton first team.

Clough told BBC Radio Derby: "We've spoken to Everton about him and they'll know a bit more in a couple of weeks if they've got their targets sorted.

"He's one we're going to pursue and we will wait for as long as we can."

Vaughan scored in Everton's FA Cup victory over Carlisle on Saturday and Clough admits that could hamper his bid to bring him back to Pride Park.

He said: "He's got two in two now so I hope he doesn't do too well otherwise they might not let him come back no matter what."

606: DEBATE If he carries on scoring for Everton's first team it is hard to see him being allowed back to Pride Park. Randomero

Clough is keen to add to his squad in the face of injury problems at Pride Park.

Last week he signed midfielder Lee Johnson on loan from Bristol City and gave him his debut in the FA Cup tie at Millwall.

"I was very pleased with Lee Johnson," he said. "He'll have the ball and he gets us passing. I think for his first 45 minutes, that was very encouraging."

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