Derby boss Paul Jewell has confirmed he's closing in on Plymouth Argyle fullback Paul Connolly.

He told Derby's official website: "Paul is available on a Bosman in the summer so we spoke to (Plymouth boss) Paul Sturrock to ask permission to talk to the player.

"We have done that and hopefully we can conclude a deal pretty quickly. He is keen to come and fits the bill as he is 6ft 1in, athletic and hungry.

"Paul is a fighter, and that is what I want to bring, as well as quality, which he has got."