JEWELL CLOSES ON CONNOLLY DEAL

Jewell - revamping Derby squad.

Derby manager Paul Jewell is hoping to make Plymouth right-back Paul Connolly his second new signing as he reshapes his squad for the Coca-Cola Championship.

The 24-year-old, who would be available for no fee at the end of his contract this summer, has already held talks with Jewell and undergone a medical at Pride Park.

The Rams boss told Derby's official website: "Paul is available on a Bosman in the summer so we spoke to (Plymouth boss) Paul Sturrock to ask permission to talk to the player.

"We have done that and hopefully we can conclude a deal pretty quickly. He is keen to come and fits the bill as he is 6ft 1in, athletic and hungry.

"Paul is a fighter, and that is what I want to bring, as well as quality, which he has got."

Connolly joined Argyle as a trainee and, after making his first team debut in 2001, has racked up 177 appearances for the Pilgrims.

Jewell has declared his intention to completely revamp the squad following their dire season in the Barclays Premier League and has already secured the services of Australian midfielder Ruben Zadkovich.

Meanwhile, Lee Holmes, Marc Edworthy, Michael Johnson and Ben Hinchliffe will all be leaving Derby this summer.

Holmes, Edworthy and Johnson have been told their contracts will not be renewed while teenage goalkeeper Hinchliffe is being released 12 months into a two-year deal.

Johnson, who has agreed to join Notts County, lifted the Championship play-off trophy at Wembley 12 months ago while Holmes, 21, was the youngest player to appear for the Rams when he made his debut as a 15-year-old in 2002.

Edworthy, 35, was a free-transfer signing from Norwich in 2005 and made a total of 84 appearances for Derby.