Derby manager Paul Jewell has revealed he has "almost completed" a deal to sign Argentinian striker Emanuel Villa.

The 25-year-old currently plays in Mexico for UAG Tecos where he is the club's top scorer with 10 goals from 28 appearances this season.

"This is a deal we have almost completed," Jewell told www.dcfc.co.uk.

"The player will be flying in later this week for a medical and barring any hitches he will sign for us."

Villa numbers Atletico Huracan, Rosario Central and Atlas among his former clubs.

"It's a dream come true. I wanted to play in Europe and now I have the opportunity and there is nowhere better than the Premier League," said Villa.

"My experience in Mexican football has been positive and I hope I can go on progressing, as I now have an important challenge ahead of me."

Villa knows he will have to adapt quickly to English football if he is to help Jewell's side avoid relegation.

"I know I'm arriving at a team with relegation problems. I must get used to their league immediately because there is no time for mistakes," added Villa.

Jewell, meanwhile, has also revealed that the Rams, currently rock-bottom of the Barclays Premier League, are "99 per cent certain" to clinch the signing of an unspecified top-flight player later this month.