Derby's Croatian midfielder, Aljosa Asanovic, looks certain to sign for Napoli this weekend. The 32-year-old flew out to Italy yesterday for talks and Derby announced last night that the clubs had agreed terms.

The fee has yet to be revealed, but Napoli, who are bottom of Serie A, hope to have Asanovic in the side for their league game tomorrow. Asanovic was one of Derby's stars last season following his £960,000 move from Hajduk Split shortly before Euro 96.

But he was injured at the start of this season and his chances have been limited to just five appearances by the ruling that allows clubs only three non-EU players in their squad.

Asanovic was desperate for regular first-team football to boost his chances of playing in the World Cup finals in France next year. He now looks set to get that with Napoli.