Savage set for Rams arrival

The 33-year-old has held positive talks with Rams boss Paul Jewell after finding his opportunities limited at Blackburn, who have agreed a fee for the player.

"If they do go down they are looking to bounce back up. It is a proper football club like Blackburn is," said the midfielder ahead of his expected return to the midlands. "I had some great times with Leicester and Birmingham and if I am half as successful here as I was there I will be happy."

Knee surgery in October put Savage out for six weeks and he has struggled to regain his place in the Rovers line-up 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 a 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. But I have huge respect for Mark Hughes and Blackburn chairman John Williams, they have been fantastic.

"I have only good things to say about Blackburn and I wish them all success and hope they can get a European place."

Tottenham midfielder Hossam Ghaly is also expected to move to Derby while on Tuesday the club finalised the signings of Argentinian striker Emanuel Villa - who also holds Spanish nationality - after he received international clearance following his move from UAG Tecos and free agent Laurent Robert.

The controversial French winger, who spent four years at Newcastle and six months at Portsmouth before joining Benfica two years ago, had been without a club since leaving Levante in November.