Roy Carroll, the former Manchester United and West Ham United goalkeeper, is on the verge of signing for Derby County, initially until the end of the season.

Carroll, who has latterly been playing for Rangers of the Scottish Premier League, had been a target for Paul Jewell, the new Derby manager, for some weeks and moves to Pride Park after playing just one game this season.

Derby had prematurely announced the move had gone through this morning, but it has struck a last-minute hitch because Walter Smith, the Rangers manager, has yet to sign another goalkeeper as cover.

It is understood Carroll had even offered to buy himself out of the remainder of his contract with the current Scottish League leaders, such is his desire to play at Pride Park.

“We thought he was signed this morning, just as we thought he was last week," Jewell said, "but at the moment he is not.

“We still hope to get it done, but it’s very frustrating and a bit embarrassing because we thought we had word from Rangers he could leave.

“But I then get off the training ground this morning and find they haven’t yet released his papers.”

The 30-year-old should still become Jewell’s seventh signing during this month’s transfer window as the manager attempts to rebuild a side 13 points from safety at the bottom of the Barclays Premier League.

“Roy is a terrific keeper - he’s played at the very highest level and I’ve worked with him briefly before so I know what he’s all about," Jewell added.

“The most impressive thing about Roy is the passion and desire he has shown in just wanting to play. He’s done a lot himself to make his move happen and I think that’s commendable.”

Carroll began his career at Hull City before moving to Wigan Athletic in 1997 where he made 170 appearances in four years and spent six weeks working under Jewell.

Manchester United then paid £2.5 million for his services and during his four years at Old Trafford won the 2003 Premier League and 2004 FA Cup.

Carroll, who has 19 caps for Northern Ireland, moved to Upton Park in 2005 and made 35 appearances before joining Rangers last summer on a one-year deal. However, he has made just one appearance for the Ibrox club in the Scottish League Cup.