Junior footballer Alfie Clarke will sign for Derby County ahead of interest from Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich.

The 8 year-old has fully recovered from health battles that saw him diagnosed first with meningococcal meningitis and then with pneumonia.

His life was saved when a doctor spotted a tiny meningitis pin prick on his stomach.

But 12 months to the day later he fell ill with septic pneumonia.

The youngster needed surgery for a hole in his lung and had to learn to walk all over again.

Alfie's proud mum Claire, 38, said she hoped his story would offer hope to other families.

Claire told the Birmingham Mail: “For a little boy that was so poorly this is a massive achievement.

“He is a really strong and brave boy.

“His lungs have fully healed following the pneumonia and he is a healthy eight-year-old."