Leicester City are set to complete a £1.5 million move for Steven Howard after the Derby County striker was given permission to discuss a move to the Coca-Cola Championship club.

The 31-year-old striker has struggled to make an impact in the Barclays Premier League, netting just once in 20 appearances this season.

Subject to agreeing personal terms, Howard will move to the Walkers Stadium on an initial emergency loan deal before completing a permanent switch.

“We believe this is a deal that is in the best interests of the player and the club,” Adam Pearson, the Derby chairman, said.

Howard’s capture would complete a double coup for Ian Holloway, the Leicester manager, who today returned to former club Plymouth Argyle to sign striker Barry Hayles for an undisclosed fee.

Howard, who missed a penalty in yesterday’s defeat to Blackburn Rovers, should be available for the match with Queens Park Rangers tomorrow.

Milan Mandaric, the chairman, said: “We need power up front and Steve Howard is the top drawer on this one. I’m hopeful we can conclude something today.”

Howard initially arrived at Derby in a million-pound move from Luton and scored 20 goals in 72 appearances.

Like Howard, veteran striker Hayles has initially joined on an emergency loan deal to enable him to come into contention tomorrow and will sign an 18-month contract at the Walkers Stadium on Wednesday.

Hayles, 35, has scored 181 career goals and was given his first chance in league football by Holloway at Bristol Rovers in 1997. “Barry brings experience, hunger and desire to this football club,” Holloway said. “It doesn’t take a genius to work out that he is just the sort of player that we need.

“He is an exceptional goalscorer and he has proved that at this level and higher. He has got a one in three goalscoring record at every level he has played at. I’m absolutely delighted that he has agreed to join us.”