Emmanuel Villa is relishing the challenge ahead of him at Derby.

The Argentine agreed to join The Rams from UAG Tecos earlier in the week and has now flown in to have a medical and finalise the transfer.

The 25-year-old admits it has always been a dream to play in the Premier League and is now looking forward to testing himself against some of the best players in the world.

"I am very thankful to Tecos because they give me the chance to leave for playing in a league that is very important," Villa told mediotiempo.

"I am happy because this negotiation was positive for everyone. The most important thing for me is the professional part and not so much the financial because any player in the world would like to have the chance to play in the Premier League, the Italian or Spanish.

"But personally I think the Premier League is the best in the world and to have the chance of being part of it is a great satisfaction for me.

"It's also a dream to have the chance to compete with very important players. With this I have reached one of my professional dreams so this is the best way for starting the year for me."

Derby are currently eight points adrift at the bottom of the table but Villa hopes he can inspire them to safety in the same way that Carlos Tevez helped save West Ham lasts season.

"I know very well what is happening with the team," he said.

"I know that they aren't currently in the best situation but I use as an example what Carlos Tevez went through when he arrived at West Ham.

"I am going to give my very best to help get the team out of this difficult situation."