Fabrizio Ravanelli will be a Derby County player by the end of the week, according to his agent.
The Italian star's on-off-on transfer to the Rams looks now to be close to resolution with both the player and his representative admitting Ravanelli would like to sign for the Pride Park club.
However, while Derby have already agreed a two-year deal in principle for the ex-Middlesbrough striker after talks last week, there are still a few lose ends to tie up before the 32-year-old can complete his transfer from Lazio.
The player's English-based agent, Gianni Paladini, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "There is negotiation going on between Fabrizio and Lazio, it is nothing to do with Derby County.
"The agreement with Derby County is okay. He wants to go to Derby. He told this to (Sergio) Cragnotti Lazio chairman.
"I can promise you that Fabrizio will be a Derby County player by the end of the week. I can assure you that he will sign for Derby County before Saturday.
"Fabrizio is under contract with Lazio and he cannot be released by Lazio unless there is an amicable agreement between the two parties.
"It would have been no good for Fabrizio to come to Derby yesterday, today or tomorrow unless we have got all the papers from Lazio, so there is no problem with Derby.
"If he came to Derby and signed, and then they Lazio don't release his international clearance, he would not be able to play.
"He will be released by the end of the day and I can guarantee you that Fabrizio will be a Derby County player by the end of the week."
PA