The forward departed Stoke City following the end of the January window, with the player and club mutually agreeing to terminate his contract.

This has opened the door for the Rams to sign the 34-year-old as a free agent, bolstering their attacking options as they look to push for promotion to the Championship.

Gayle struggled for form with the Potters, featuring just 10 times for the club in the league before departing (all stats from Fbref).

But a long-term injury to James Collins has left Derby with very few other options, leading to his arrival at Pride Park.

Carlton Palmer: Dwight Gayle “could be an inspired signing”

Carlton Palmer has praised Derby’s decision to bring Gayle into the club following Collins’ knee injury.

He believes that the forward could be the difference between finishing in an automatic promotion place and earning a play-off spot, as long as Gayle remains fit and hits the ground running.

“Derby County have moved swiftly on hearing the news that leading goal scorer James Collins was going to be out for months with a knee injury,” Palmer told Football League World.

“They have moved swiftly in signing Dwight Gayle on a contract until the end of the season.

“He was available on a free, as he wasn’t attached to any club.