Work Permit holds up transfer

Nigerian Striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni

Yakubu Aiyegbeni, the Nigerian striker will have to go to an appeal over a work permit before being able to join the Rams. Derby County had agreed terms with Malcabi Haifa and Yakubu had undergone a medical examination over six weeks ago and all now hinges on the result of the work permit appeal.

The 19 year old striker has had one appeal for a permit rejected on the grounds that he did not meet criteria for the issuing of such a permit. To gain one Yakubu needed to have played in 75% of Nigeria's full International game over the past two years. Having fallen out of favourer with the national side earlier this year and being left out of Nigeria's World Cup squad,Aiyegbeni has not met the required number of games.

The second appeal for a work permit is due to take place in Sheffield on July 18th. So one way or the other Derby County and Aiyegbeni will know what is happening by later next week.