Premiership: Ravanelli for the Rams

Fabrizio Ravanelli has confirmed he is on his way to join Derby after jetting out of Rome.

The former Italian international finally decided on the transfer on Wednesday.

He met with Lazio general director Massimo Cragnotti and agreed a financial package which secured his exit from the Serie A club.

The 32-year-old striker is due to leave Italy later this morning, and he said: "I will be arriving in London at 2.30pm and expect to arrive at Derby County at 4pm."

Ravanelli, who played for Middlesbrough during the 1996-97 season before leaving for Marseille after they were relegated to the First Division, revealed on Wednesday that the only obstacle remaining was the length of his contract.

Derby insisted last week they had agreed a two-year deal in principle.

He added: "I hope to sign the contract either today or tomorrow.

"It depends on getting the agreement ready. If it is not today it will be tomorrow.... a bit of patience."

Ravanelli joined Lazio last summer, but spent most of his time on the bench as they lost their Serie A crown to city rivals Roma.

Derby play Sheffield Wednesday in a pre-season friendly at Hillsborough on Saturday but it remains to be seen if Ravanelli will be available for the game.