Jewell close to striker move

Derby manager Paul Jewell has revealed he has "almost completed" a deal to sign Argentinian striker Emanuel Villa.

The 25-year-old currently plays in Mexico for UAG Tecos where he is the club's top scorer with 10 goals from 28 appearances this season.

"This is a deal we have almost completed," Jewell told the club's official website. "The player will be flying in later this week for a medical and barring any hitches he will sign for us."

Villa numbers Atletico Huracan, Rosario Central and Atlas among his former clubs.

Jewell, meanwhile, has also revealed that the Rams, currently rock-bottom of the Barclays Premier League, are "99% certain" to clinch the signing of an unspecified top-flight player later this month.