Derby County have agreed a fee with Blackburn Rovers for Robbie Savage. The former Wales international midfielder is expected to meet Derby officials this afternoon to discuss terms.

The 33-year-old had been considering a move after failing to regain his place in the Blackburn side following a knee injury. Mark Hughes, the Blackburn manager, admitted last week that, while hoping Savage would stay, he would not stand in his way if he wanted to leave.

Savage joined Blackburn in a controversial transfer from Birmingham City three years ago. The player said he wanted to move to be closer to his family in Wrexham but Birmingham were angered and claimed he must have been tapped up, pointing out Blackburn was hardly any closer to the Welsh town.

In recent years Savage has also retired from international football after a long-running and very public falling out with John Toshack, the Wales manager.

Savage began his career as a Manchester United trainee before moving to Crewe Alexandra and then making his name with Leicester City.

News of a possible deal for Savage comes after Derby, bottom of the Premier League, received international clearance for new signing Emanuel Villa. The 25-year-old Argentinian striker completed his £2 million move to Pride Park from Mexican side UAG Tecos last week.

Villa was paraded to the crowd before Sunday's FA Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday and Paul Jewell, the Derby manager, is now looking forward to seeing him in action. "I can't wait to see 'Tito' in a Derby shirt because he looks good in training," Jewell said. "I'm sure he will be a big fans' favourite."

Derby have also agreed a deal to sign Laurent Robert, the former Newcastle United midfielder, pending international clearance.