DERBY COUNTY manager Jim Smith hopes to complete the £200,000 signing of the Aston Villa veteran and Republic of Ireland international Paul McGrath today.

McGrath, 36, travelled to Derby's Baseball Ground last night for talks with Smith after the clubs agreed a fee, which is believed to be a down payment of £100,000 followed by further instalments based on appearances.

Smith is looking for the experienced and defensive qualities of McGrath to help stabilise Derby in their first season back in Premiership football. Smith hopes to tie up the deal, despite renewed interest from the Coventry City manager Ron Atkinson, one of his best friends within the game.

McGrath was put on the transfer list by the Aston Villa manager Brian Little after accusations that his proposed move to Coventry had been thwarted by the fee Villa were demanding. Now, even in the twilight of his career, McGrath is hoping he can do enough at club level to prove that he still has a career with the Republic of Ireland national team.

Subject to the agreement of personal terms, the Irishman is expected to complete the move today.