Rams close in on duo

Derby are closing in on the signings of Robbie Savage and Laurent Robert as they step up their bid to avoid relegation from the top flight.

The Barclays Premier League bottom club have agreed a fee with Blackburn for combative midfielder Savage while announcing they expect former Newcastle star Robert to sign today.

News of the likely double capture comes on the day the club received international clearance to play another new signing, Argentinian striker Emanuel Villa.