RAMS BOSS IN 'KEEPER SEARCH

Bywater - heading for Spurs.

Derby manager Paul Jewell is looking to sign a goalkeeper on loan, with Stephen Bywater's move to Tottenham looking imminent.

The Rams are set to open their Championship campaign at home to Doncaster next Saturday, and Jewell is anxious to find cover for Roy Carroll.

With Wales international Lewis Price recovering from a cartilage operation, the only other 'keeper on Derby's books is teenage Academy prospect Ross Atkins who is yet to make a senior appearance.

Jewell told the Derby Evening Telegraph he would have preferred to keep Bywater, but wished him well on his move to White Hart Lane.

Jewell said: "Stephen is going to Tottenham and we wish him well. Tottenham came in with a bid and obviously Stephen is very keen to go which is fully understandable.

"We will need some cover for Roy and will probably have to get a keeper in on loan."

Bywater spent four months on loan at Ipswich last season and is expected to complete his move to Tottenham early next week for around £200,000.

Bywater, who will act as an understudy to Spurs' summer signing Heurelho Gomes, joined Derby from West Ham in 2006 and helped the Rams gain promotion to the Premiership.

Spurs have been in the market for a second goalkeeper after allowing Paul Robinson to leave for Blackburn.