Despite competition from Celtic – the Rams hope to secure Dundee striker Johnny Russell who is expected to complete his transfer to Derby next week - despite his agent playing it cool.

Reports initially suggested that Derby has beaten competition from the SPL title holders but also from Italian Serie 'A' side Catania, Huddersfield Town and Sheffield United.

With a year left on his contract, Dundee has decided to cash in on their in form 23-year-old striker while they can - in a deal believed to be worth around 750,000 for United.

It has been widely reported that the deal was finalised on Wednesday afternoon with only a medical next Monday the final hurdle for Russel to be wearing a Rams shirt this season.

The club confirmed the speculation by releasing the following statement:

“Dundee United today confirmed that an undisclosed fee had been agreed with Derby County for Johnny Russell. The transfer is expected to be concluded after the player has completed the necessary formalities early next week.”

Despite the release of this statement – the player’s agent seems to be trying to hose down the certainty of the move:

"A fee has been agreed with Derby County and Johnny is going down there next week for a medical and to have a look around and look at the set-up. That's where we are at the moment, nothing has been signed. We are happy with what has been discussed so far and Johnny going down there sometime next week is the next step."

No wonder agents are so well regarded in today’s game. Nothing like making what could be a simple process a “look at me" moment. Hopefully Russell’s agent doesn’t turn the transfer into a circus – especially after Rams fans have begun to get excited.

As Brian Clough once said - “If a player had said to Bill Shankly 'I've got to speak to my agent', Bill would have hit him. And I would have held him while he hit him.” If Nigel has the same opinion as his dad – perhaps Johnny’s agent might want to stay at home next week.

Worrying reports also then emerged that Celtic may make a last minute improved offer to swoop in and ruin the party. Another transfer hard luck story in the making for the Rams? The club need some exciting signings and not more near misses to put bums on seats this season. Over to you DCFC!

But enough of the media mutterings - who exactly is Johnny Russell?

A product of the Tangerines youth academy, Russell debuted in 2007 eventually establishing himself in the SPL after being loaned to Forfar Athletic and Raith Rovers during his development.

His record of 46 goals in 120 appearances is impressive but it was his form in 2012/13 that attracted the attention of rival scouts. Netting 20 goals in 38 appearances last season for United - is even more impressive when you consider he missed two months of football with a broken fibula.

Can Russell take the next step and turn good form in the SPL into what is widely accepted to be a better overall class of football in the Championship? The jury is still out with many fans on Connor Sammon but it is hard not to get excited when you watch some of Russell’s highlights as he has genuine pace and goal scoring nous.

Click on the link below to see Johnny’s goals from 2012 /13 and the type of skill Rams fans hope will light up Pride Park this coming season if the deal gets done.

Johnny Russell Dundee Highlights 2012/13

Photo: Action Images

pkay_brum added 21:56 - Jun 6 Mr Rush can't afford to finish this episode with egg on his face instead of the player's signature on a contract as his first major transfer transaction, can he?
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davram added 09:32 - Jun 8 Please note that Johnny Russell is a player of Dundee UNITED, not Dundee! We Ramsfolk might not be overly concerned about the sensitivities of football fans in cities with two teams, but those involved, be it in Nothingham, Sheffield, Mancester, Liverpool or Dundee, will appreciate the distinction! Thanks otherwise for the informative article - will Johnny prove to be what we've been asking for for years??

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