Derby sign Sheffield United's Jamie Ward on loan

Birmingham-born Jamie Ward started his career with Aston Villa

Derby County have completed the loan signing of Sheffield United striker Jamie Ward until the end of the season.

The deal for the 24-year-old, who is expected to make his debut in Saturday's game at Scunthorpe, should be made permanent in the summer.

Rams manager Nigel Clough said: "We've been in the hunt for a striker with pace and we believe we have just that with Jamie.

"We see him playing a part in the coming seasons for Derby County."

Clough has been desperately trying to bolster his attacking options in recent weeks.

The Rams sold Rob Hulse earlier in the season and also lost Kris Commons in the January transfer window.

And attempts to sign Martyn Waghorn and Conor Sammon in January both failed

But Clough remained eager to sign a pacy frontman to play alongside Steve Davies and sees Ward - who has fallen out of favour at Sheffield United - as the solution.

Birmingham-born Northern Ireland international Ward, who started his career with Aston Villa, joined the Blades from Chesterfield in January 2009.

"By no means is this the last bit of business we are looking to do in the emergency window. We have other targets and we are perusing them," added Clough.