Derby close in on Ghaly

Derby are reportedly close to signing controversial Egyptian midfielder Hossam Ghaly from Tottenham. The midfielder is valued by Spurs at around £1 million at a cut price after falling out with many at the club.

The Rams boss Paul Jewell has revealed that the contact has been made with Spurs for the 26-year-old Egyptian, who has not played for Spurs following his petulance in throwing his shirt at then boss Martin Jol last season.

Ghaly then came close to moving to Birmingham City in the summer but only to see the move collapse.

Jewell is now keen to bring the player to Pride Park in the ongoing transfer window as the bottom-placed Rams have an uphill task of fighting the drop.

"We've contacted Tottenham and spoken to the player and he's keen to come but we might have to go to a work permit appeal," Jewell told BBC Radio Derby.

"And that might be 10 days or so before that happens."