Rams raid Reds for Ayala

Derby have signed Spanish defender Daniel Ayala on loan from Liverpool until the end of the season. A deal was agreed for the 20-year-old to link up with Nigel Clough`s side during the January transfer window but the player`s recovery from a hamstring injury delayed the move. "We are pleased to bring Daniel on board for the rest of the season, especially as he has been in demand and had a number of other clubs interested in taking him," said Clough. "I would like to express our thanks to Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool that they have decided Derby County is the best place for Daniel at this stage of his development. "He is a talented defender who we have seen in action on numerous occasions and feel he has the qualities to help improve our defensive record, which we feel has not been good enough lately. "This deal has been in the pipeline for a few weeks and we have had to remain patient but the hard work has now paid off and we are pleased to have Daniel with us." Ayala is no stranger to the npower Championship having spent the first half of the season on loan at Hull. He made 12 appearances for the Tigers, one of which was against Derby, before returning to Liverpool in December with a hamstring injury.

Source: PA