Rob Lee will become John Gregory's second signing today by completing a move from Newcastle.
The 36-year-old former England midfielder has agreed terms with Derby and, subject to passing a medical, is ready to join the Rams fight against relegation.
Lee put in a transfer request at Newcastle before Christmas because he was told the club would not discuss a new contract until the New Year.
It emerged Newcastle were unwilling to discuss a new deal until the end of the season.
West Ham made a £200,000 sterling bid for Lee last month, but he is now poised to join second-from-bottom Derby.
Warren Barton, Lee's team-mate at Newcastle, became new Rams boss Gregory's first signing for the club last Friday for an undisclosed fee.
