WEST AGREES NEW DERBY DEAL

The Nigerian international`s contract is set to expire in the next few weeks and Rams manager Jim Smith has stated that a deal has been agreed with the flamboyant defender.

"It' s all in place," said Jim Smith. "In principle, everything is agreed and everybody is happy.

"All it needs now is for Taribo to complete the forms when he is back in England on Monday.

" I am always slightly wary until an agreement is signed and sealed but it is good news for us."

"This is a big boost for us and we're very happy to have Taribo with us."

The news that West will sign a new deal will be a major boost to The Rams who have taken 17 points since he joined from AC Milan, on a three month contract, in November.

There was said to be interest in the African defender from a number of Italian and Spanish clubs, after a string of sparkling performances, but it now seems that his future -for now- will be at Pride Park.