Derby sign £3.5m striker Earnshaw

Earnshaw joined Norwich from West Brom for £3.5m in January 2006

Premiership new boys Derby County have broken their club record fee to sign Robert Earnshaw from Norwich for £3.5m.

The Rams' offer activated a clause in the 26-year-old Welsh international striker's contract at Carrow Road.

Derby boss Billy Davies said: "We are delighted to have a new striker on board with a fantastic track record for goals at every level he has played.

"Robert is a fantastic addition to the squad and I'm sure the fans will be excited about our new fox in the box."

606: DEBATE Is Earnshaw a good signing for Derby?

The deal beats Derby's previous transfer record of £3m, which they paid for Seth Johnson, Craig Burley, Branko Strupar and Giorgi Kinkladze.

Chairman Peter Gadsby added: "We have started with a record signing and it is our hope that the coming weeks will also be busy.

"We are determined to give Billy a squad capable of at least preserving Premier League status.

"We want ideally to have new players in place as soon as possible so we can approach the new challenge with a positive mindset."

Earnshaw holds the distinction of being the only player to have scored hat-tricks in all four English leagues, the FA Cup, the League Cup and at international level.