Derby boss Paul Jewell is set to sign Laurent Robert as he rebuilds his Rams squad after the 2-2 FA Cup draw with Sheffield Wednesday.
Former Newcastle and Portsmouth left-winger Robert is likely to sign a short-term contract until the end of the season as Jewell plots a future for the club.
Argentinian striker Emanuel Villa was paraded prior to Sunday's 2-2 FA Cup third-round draw with Sheffield Wednesday, a game in which Danny Mills made his debut after joining on loan until the end of the season from Manchester City.
If Derby can agree a fee with Blackburn for Robbie Savage and sort out a work permit for out-of-favour Spurs defender Hossam Ghaly, Jewell will have brought in five players in quick succession.
Robert, though, is likely to be the next through the door after impressing during a trial over the last few days.
"He's done exceptionally well in training, and hopefully he will be a Derby player on Tuesday," confirmed Jewell.
"I would think he will be on a short-term contract to the end of the season, but I don't want to say too much until it's done and dusted."
With new-boy Villa watching from the stands, he must have thought about taking the first plane back to South America after just 23 minutes as the Rams were 2-0 down.
Goalkeeper Lewis Price gifted 18-year-old centre-back Mark Beevers the first goal of his fledgling career in the eighth minute by spilling his shot over the line.
Then centre-back Darren Moore's error allowed former Rams striker Marcus Tudgay to poach the second midway through the half.
But then Derby did something they have not managed all season, and that was to come back from being behind and snatch a result.
Goals from Kenny Miller and Giles Barnes ensured Jewell will return to his former club for a replay at Hillsborough on January 15.
"A month ago we would have lost that game heavily, but we showed good character to come back," assessed Jewell.
"We made the usual basic errors, but I am taking the positives out of the game.
"The situation we're in at the moment, we have to take any crumb of comfort we can, and a 2-2 draw with a team near the bottom of the Championship, on reflection, is not a great thing.
"But we were 2-0 down and staring down a barrel, so I'm pleased we're still in the hat, and pleased we've come back from a goal down which we've not done since I've been here."
Jewell will certainly add further character to the side if he is able to sign both Savage and Ghaly.
"It's been well documented we're in for Robbie, but whether the two clubs can agree a fee is out of my hands," added Jewell.
"We haven't had permission to speak to Robbie, but we'd like him and another three or four more players.
"As for Hossam, the two clubs are in agreement, but it has to go to appeal due to the work permit criteria."
Naturally, after leading 2-0 against a Premier League club - despite the Rams being bottom of the league and with only one win all season - Owls boss Brian Laws was gutted not to wrap up the win.
"It's an opportunity missed," said Laws. "Away from home against a Premier League side, we found ourselves 2-0 up courtesy of a gift and a bit of luck. We looked in a very comfortable position.
"So of both managers, if you're 2-0 up, who is going to be the most disappointed? I'm afraid I am."
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