Rams agree Savage fee

Welshman set to leave Blackburn for Derby

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 8th January 2008

Blackburn midfielder Robbie Savage

Savage: Fee agreed

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Derby are set to sign Robbie Savage from Blackburn after agreeing a fee for the Welshman, while Laurent Robert is to join him at Pride Park.

Savage is no longer a regular starter at Ewood Park and recently admitted he was looking to leave the club.

Sunderland made a bid for Savage last week and Wigan were also understood to be interested.

But it now appears that Derby have won the race for his signature, and Paul Jewell will be hoping to tie up the transfer as quickly as possible.

Savage is set to meet Rams officials later on Tuesday to discuss terms.

The 33-year-old has spoken of how he enjoys a relegation scrap and should he complete his move to Pride Park he will have a huge challenge to help keep Derby in the Premier League.

Robert to sign

Derby have also announced they will sign Robert later on Tuesday, subject to international clearance.

The former Newcastle midfielder, who has most recently had a spell with Spanish side Levante, was invited for a trial at the start of the year.

He made a big impression and has now agreed to put pen-to-paper on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

Derby have collected just seven points from 21 games this season, although Jewell has already been busy strengthening his squad since the start of the transfer window.

Villa clinches move

Emmanuel Villa joined from Mexican side UAG Tecos last week and Derby have now received international clearance for the Argentine striker.

Villa was paraded to the crowd before Sunday's FA Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday and Jewell is now looking forward to seeing him in action.

He 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' favourite."