DERBY, England (AFP) - Derby manager Paul Jewell expects to sign Argentinian striker Emanuel Villa from UAG Tecos this week.

The 25-year-old is the Mexican club's top scorer with 10 goals from 28 appearances this season.

"This is a deal we have almost completed," Jewell told Derby's website. "The player will be flying in later this week for a medical and barring any hitches he will sign for us."

Villa, who has also played for Atletico Huracan, Rosario Central and Atlas, can't wait to get to Pride Park.

"We can say everything is almost sorted out. I understand we only have to fly there," Villa told mediotiempo.com.

"We are going to England on Wednesday. It's a dream come true. I wanted to play in Europe and now I have the opportunity and there is nowhere better than the Premier League."