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Confirmed: Leeds fail to sign Prem striker as Championship promotion rivals complete deal
DERBY have completed the signing of striker David Nugent from Middlesbrough for a fee believed to be £2.5million.
David Nugent signs for Derby
The former England international was in high demand and strongly linked with a move to Leeds, where he would have linked up with former Leicester team-mate Chris Wood.
But the 31-year-old, who has helped both Leicester and Middlesbrough gain promotion to the Premier League, has opted for Derby.
Derby, in seventh-place, currently sit five points behind fifth-place Leeds in the Championship table.
David Nugent was linked with Chris Wood reunion at Leeds
Nugent, who boasts 103 Championship goals in 306 appearances, has signed a two-and-a-half year contract at Pride Park.
And Derby head coach Steve McClaren, who handed Nugent his only England cap, was thrilled to secure a player of his calibre.
McClaren is said to have turned his attention to Nugent after failing to bring Chris Martin back from his loan spell at Fulham.
Steve McClaren thrilled with David Nugent arrival
The Rams manager said: "We're delighted to complete the signing of David Nugent.
"He is a proven goalscorer at Championship level and he also has a great deal of experience as well to bring to the table.
"David has a track record of scoring important goals as well and we're pleased to add him to the attacking talent that we already have."