Savage, Robert and Ghaly set to join Derby

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Blackburn's Robbie Savage, former Newcastle star Laurent Robert and Tottenham misfit Hossam Ghaly are all poised to complete moves to the Barclays Premier League bottom side.

The Rams are eight points adrift at the foot of the table and manager Paul Jewell is working at a furious pace to strengthen his squad following the opening of the transfer window.

All three players will be at Pride Park this afternoon on a day when the club received international clearance for another new signing, Argentinian striker Emanuel Villa.

The Robert deal appears the most advanced after the 32-year-old Frenchman was offered a contract until the end of the season.

The winger, who had a brief spell with Portsmouth in 2005, has been without a club since leaving Levante earlier in the season.

He has been training with the Rams for the past few days and clearly impressed Jewell, who 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."

While Robert will bring creativity, Jewell has also shown his determination to add bite by bringing in the experienced and combative Savage.

The prospect of the 33-year-old leaving Ewood Park became likely last week when Blackburn boss Mark Hughes admitted that, while hoping Savage would stay, he would not block a move.

Savage, who had also been linked with Sunderland, lost his place at Rovers after undergoing knee surgery earlier this season and has been unable to regain a regular starting place.

Ghaly has been out of favour at White Hart Lane since throwing his shirt to the ground when substituted by then manager 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 secure a move to the Rams, but any deal will be subject to 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 also seems unlikely to stop there, with a new goalkeeper in his sights due to injuries to Stephen Bywater and Lewis Price.

The former Wigan boss added: "We are looking for a goalkeeper and will hopefully complete a deal today or tomorrow."

On a positive day for the Rams, clearance for Villa to make his debut was also obtained.

The 25-year-old Argentinian striker completed his £2million move to Pride Park from Mexican side UAG Tecos last week.

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.

"I can't wait to see 'Tito' in a Derby shirt because he looks good in training," Jewell said.

"I'm sure he will be a big fans' favourite."

Knee surgery in October put Savage out for six weeks and the 33-year-old struggled to regain his place on his return.

He said the lure of regular first team football had attracted him to Derby.

"I have spoken to the manager (Jewell) and it is well-known fact that I wanted first-team football and Paul said I would get that here," he told Sky Sports News.

"I am sure I can do well for Derby if I sign."