Derby County have confirmed the signing of Dundee United striker Johnny Russell.

The in-demand frontman has signed a four-year contract with the Pride Park side after a fee of around £700,000 was agreed with Tannadice chairman Stephen Thompson last week.

Russell has become the Championship side's third summer signing after Lee Grant of Burnley and Chris Martin from Norwich City agreed deal last month.

The Scotland Under-21 internationalist scored 20 goals in 38 appearances last season and Derby manager Nigel Clough yesterday claimed he was the No.1 name on his summer shopping list.

Clough told the club's website: "We're delighted to sign Johnny and his goalscoring exploits north of the border are something we've been aware of for some time. He's been prolific these past few years and from what we've seen of him we believe he can transfer that form to the Championship.

"At 23, he is a player who's only going to improve as well and we feel he's the right type of player to complement the options and players we already have in attack."

Craig Conway, the Cardiff City winger, last night tipped his former Tannadice team-mate to be a success with his new club.

He said: "I'm sure Johnny will be a very big hit down there. I'm delighted for him because he works ever so hard at his game and deserves this chance to go and express himself on a bigger stage. He has proved he can do it at the highest level in Scotland so now he'll be taking his career to the next level.

"Johnny has always been a good player, destined for big things, and I don't think he'll let anyone at Derby down. They've obviously spotted his potential and there's no doubt the Championship is a good league to play in for a talented guy like Johnny. He'll revel in the chance to play against other teams and will see this as a big challenge which he will certainly rise to."