Derby agree terms to sign Savage

DERBY, England -- Former Welsh international midfielder Robbie Savage was discussing terms with Derby County on Tuesday after the Premier League's bottom club agreed a fee with Blackburn Rovers for his transfer.

The 33-year-old has struggled to regain a place in the Blackburn team after undergoing knee surgery early in the season.

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes said last week that, although he would prefer Savage to stay, he would not stand in his way if he wanted to leave.

Savage, who had also been linked with Sunderland and Wigan, joined Blackburn from Birmingham three years ago.

Derby have only gained seven points from 21 games this season, but new manager Paul Jewell has been strengthening the squad during the transfer window.

Derby have received international clearance to play Argentine striker Emmanuel Villa, signed from Mexican side UAG Tecos last week.

He was introduced to the crowd before Sunday's FA Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday and Jewell said: "I can't wait to see `Tito' in a Derby shirt because he looks good in training. I'm sure he will be a big fans' favorite."

Two other targets for Jewell are former Newcastle player Laurent Robert and Tottenham's Hossam Ghaly.

The 32-year-old Frenchman Robert has been offered terms until the end of the season.

The winger was briefly with Portsmouth in 2005, but has not had a club since leaving Spaniards Levante earlier in the season. He has been training at Derby or the past few days and Jewell said: "His ability is unquestioned and I think this could be a really good bit of business for us.

"He hasn't cost us anything in terms of a transfer fee and we had the chance to have a good look at him in training before making a decision.

"Laurent's key quality is what he can do with the ball - he can unlock the door, make things happen and produce a bit of magic."

Ghaly fell from grace at Tottenham by throwing his shirt to the ground when substituted by Martin Jol in the final game of last season.

The 26-year-old Egypt midfielder has pulled out of the African Nations Cup in an attempt to clinch a move to Derby, but will need a work permit.

Jewell said: "Hossam is coming in this afternoon. We're not sure about his work permit situation but, all being well, he will be a Derby County player."

Jewell, who has goalkeepers Stephen Bywater and Lewis Price injured, added: "We are looking for a goalkeeper and will hopefully complete a deal today or tomorrow." E-mail to a friend