Rams spend big on striker

Derby County have splashed out £1 million to sign Steve Howard from Championship rivals Luton Town.

The Hatters have spent the summer fearing the striker's departure, with Howard only having 12 months remaining on his Kenilworth Road contract.

He had been the subject of interest from Norwich City, while Leeds United had a joint £700,000 bid for Howard and Kevin Nicholls rejected by Luton.

Hatters boss Mike Newell has been resigned to the 30-year-old moving on, but would only sanction the sale once his value had been met.

The Rams have stumped up the desired fee and Howard has signed a three-year contract at Pride Park.

Howard becomes Derby manager Billy Davies' first signing since the Scot took over in the East Midlands earlier in the summer.

During over five years at Kenilworth Road, Howard scored more than 100 goals and netted 15 times last season.