Forgotten Prem star joins League One promotion chasers Derby on a free transfer

PROMOTION chasers Derby County have signed experienced striker Dwight Gayle until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old was a free agent after leaving Stoke City when the transfer window closed at the start of this month.

Rams boss Paul Warne has added him to his squad in the hope he will provide the goals that will earn Derby promotion to the Championship.

Gayle started at the Arsenal academy.

But he cut his teeth at Dagenham & Redbridge before his goals for Peterborough earned him a move to Crystal Palace in 2013.

The former Eagles, Newcastle United and West Brom striker has scored 147 goals in 389 appearances.

Of those, 34 goals came for the Magpies during his six-year stay at St James' Park.

Despite being a regular starter for Stoke City last season, former FA Cup finalist Gayle fell out of favor under Stephen Schumacher.

He has made just ten league appearances for the Potters this season.

Gayle's last appearance for Stoke came in the goalless home draw against Ipswich Town on 1 January.

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Derby are currently second in League One.

They are six points behind leaders Portsmouth, who have played a game less.

However, Bolton are hot on their heels in third place, three points behind Derby with two games remaining.

Peterborough are the division's top scorers.

But the addition of Gayle could turn things around as Derby look to secure a return to the second tier after their relegation in 2022 under Wayne Rooney.