Derby County close to completing another transfer as coach reveals what sealed the deal

Good morning, here is the latest Derby County news on Saturday, 16 July, 2022.

Derby County look set to complete an 11th signing of the summer in free agent midfielder Korey Smith.

The 31-year-old was released by Swansea City at the end of his contract last month and now looks like dropping down a division to join the Rams in League One. Smith has spent the last seven seasons in the Championship, the first five with Bristol City and the last two in South Wales.

The Telegraph's John Percy is reporting that the signing is 'imminent'. Percy also adds that the player is 'having a medical this afternoon' in a tweet published on Friday.

Smith's arrival at Pride Park would further bolster interim manager Liam Rosenior 's squad and appear to deal a blow to some of their League One rivals. Earlier on Friday, it was reported that the Rams were "among the League One clubs taking an interest" in the midfielder.

Derby County signed former Manchester City defender Kwaku Oduroh after getting to see what he was like up close during his trial period.

The right-back, who can also play as a holding midfielder, has signed a two-year contract at Pride Park having impressed during the club's pre-season win over Bradford City last weekend. But it wasn't just his footballing ability that convinced the club he was worthy of a contract offer. His personality and attitude played just as big a role in the final decision.

The 19-year-old arrives on a free transfer after being released this summer by Man City, where he captained their under-18s side to the Premier League National title. He spent 14 years at the club and trained with the first team under Pep Guardiola.

Justin Walker, Derby's first-team development coach, was left impressed by