Leicester have completed the signing of Derby striker Steve Howard for an undisclosed fee.

The 31-year-old will be available for the Championship clash against QPR having initially joined on an emergency loan deal subject to Football League confirmation.

Howard has agreed a three-and-a-half year deal to join fellow new arrival Barry Hayles, who signed earlier on Monday.

Rams chairman Adam Pearson said: "We believe this is a deal that is in the best interests of the player and the club."

Meanwhile, the club have moved closer to signing Argentinian striker Emanuel Villa of UAG Tecos in the Mexican Premier League, who will sign subject to a successful medical.

Manager Paul Jewell said: "This is a deal we have almost completed. The player will be flying in later this week for a medical and barring any hitches he will sign for us."

Sporting Life / Eurosport