New Derby boss John Gregory is targeting Newcastle's Robert Lee, to strengthen the Rams' midfield.
Lee is currently in dispute with the Newcastle board after they failed to offer him a new contract, even though he is out of contract in the summer.
West Ham have already bid £200,000 for the players' services, but much to Lee's annoyance, Newcastle turned the bid down.
Derby who are strapped for cash, are expected to offer a similar amount, but Lee may well once again be frustrated as Newcastle are unwilling to sell him until they have found a replacement.
The arrival of Jermaine Jenas who completed his £5 Million move today also won't speed the deal up, as Jenas is a wide player, and doesn't play in the middle.
Lee may have to wait until the summer before he can go. Newcastle are prepared to risk losing money on him as they don't want to be lost for cover in the middle of the park until the end of the season.
