Derby County are on the verge of announcing the capture of 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning defender, Efe Ambrose.

The Nigeria international found himself unemployed last month after triggering a clause to be released from his contract with Hibernian, whom he joined from Celtic in February 2017.

The Rams boss, Frank Lampard has confirmed that Efe's move to the Pride Park Stadium is close to being finalized, meaning the central defender must have impressed him during trials.

''It’s close to being finalised but not quite done, so I don’t want to jump the gun,'' Lampard told reporters at Monday's press conference.

Derby County turned their attention to the free agent market after Curtis Davies underwent surgery on a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Ambrose has not played for the Super Eagles in the last two years, so his proposed move to Derby County won't go through unless he is in the possession of a valid British passport.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : hibernianfc.co.uk