Derby are believed to be closing on a swoop for Portsmouth defender Andy Griffin as Stoke have struggled to match the defender's wage demands.

The 28-year-old spent most of last season on loan with the Potters, where he started his career, and was widely expected to sign a permanent deal over the summer.

Griffin has admitted a move back to his first club is his first choice but he is thought to be on nearly £20,000 a week at Fratton Park and the Championship side can only offer him around half that.

Now the Derby Evening Telegraph reports he will sign for the Rams this week as Billy Davies continues to strengthen ahead of the new Premier League campaign.