PREMIERSHIP promotion hopefuls Derby County have confirmed that Celtic midfielder Stephen Pearson will sign for £750,000.
Pearson's agent, Willie McKay, had said earlier today that the 24-year-old had chosen Pride Park over Sunderland and Norwich, and he will become Billy Davies' third major capture of the current transfer window following the signings of David Jones and Craig Fagan.
Derby, who visit fellow promotion hopefuls Saints on February 3, have now splashed out £2.5m in the current transfer window.
Jones, who was on loan from Manchester United, cost £1m while Tigers striker Fagan also cost £750,000.
Sunderland boss Roy Keane remains the biggest spending Championship manager in the window, however.
He has already spent £4m on Anthony Stokes (£2m), Carlos Edwards (£1.5m) and Marton Fulop (£500,000).
He has recouped £1.55m by selling Ben Alnwick, Liam Lawrence and Neill Collins and yesterday also let ex-Saint Rory Delap join Stoke permanently following a loan spell.
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