Soccer: Rams agree Ravanelli deal

Derby have agreed a two-year deal in principle with Lazio striker Fabrizio Ravanelli.

The former Middlesbrough marksman has returned to Italy after coming to an agreement during talks at Pride Park this morning.

Ravanelli will discuss the move with his advisors, but Rams boss Jim Smith is desperate to see the former Italy international put pen to paper on a contract to return to the Premiership.

‘‘I am delighted we have agreed this deal in principle but, as always in football, I want to see his signature on the dotted line before I get too excited,’’ Smith told the club’s official website, www.dcfc.co.uk.

‘‘I have spent some time with Fabrizio and he seems genuinely enthusiastic at the prospect of returning to the Premiership with Derby County.

‘‘The player has returned to Italy to finalise matters with Lazio and I would suggest that it will be all systems go after that.

‘‘I am confident that Fabrizio will be a Derby player in good time for our pre-season tour of Estonia and Finland.’’