Eddie Johnson has rejected an offer to join Premiership newcomers Derby County.

The Kansas City Wizards and United States striker, the leading scorer in Major League Soccer this season, told the Kansas City Star he was close to agreeing a deal.

The 23-year-old, who spent some time in the MLS off-season training with Reading, said: "It was close, 95% of the way there."

After considering the offer, Johnson directed his agent to tell Derby he would be remaining with the Wizards.

"I did what my heart felt," he added. "The money wasn't a problem. The money was great. But I'm a big believer that when my confidence is high, and I'm confident in what I'm doing, good things are yet to happen for me."

Johnson is enjoying his most productive season, scoring 12 goals in 11 games for Kansas City, including back-to-back hat tricks earlier in the season - an MLS first.

He did not rule out a move in future, saying: "I know if I keep doing what I'm doing, there are going to be other opportunities for me, and some are going to come up that I can't pass up."