Derby County's busy afternoon continued when the club announced experienced forward David McGoldrick as the club's sixth summer signing today. 

The 34-year-old has agreed terms on a one year deal with the club.

McGoldrick was available on a free transfer after recently departing Sheffield United upon the expiry of his contract there.

Championship outfit Middlesbrough have also been linked with a move for the former Republic of Ireland international.

Speaking on his arrival at the club, McGoldrick revealed talks with Liam Rosenior and others at the club were key in his decision to join the side and reject other "more lucrative" contract offers from elsewhere.

"It’s a big pull. It’s a big club and I know a lot about the club." McGoldrick told Derby County club media.

"Speaking to Liam Rosenior and some of the players who are here, what they want to do and the ambition of where they want to get back to; it’s a massive project that I want to be a part of.

"I’m a Nottingham boy so I know the history and I know the rivalry they have with Nottingham Forest, but Derby County is great club.

"I’m a Notts County fan myself but I know all about how much this is a big club and have watched many over the years such as Paulo Wanchope and Fabrizio Ravanelli and I know about all the great strikers that have been here already."

At 34-years-old, McGoldrick is in the latter stages of his career, but despite a difficult season at Sheffield United, he is still a player that scored eight Premier League goals in a struggling side the season before last.

The forward says he still has plenty to offer and is as hungry as ever.

"I’ve never been blistering quick, that has never been part of my game, but I don’t think you ever lose it in your brain and that’s the main thing." the experienced striker continued.

"I still feel as hungry and ambitious as ever and I know I can still play at the top level, but this is a big pull for me.

"There were other offers which were probably more lucrative but I just felt this was right.

"I’m local as well so it’s good for me and my family and the whole project of the club and what the players have said about it, it’s just perfect for me."

McGoldrick's first match in League One for the Rams will come in a home tie against Oxford United later this month.

The Verdict

This really could be a shrewd bit of business for the Rams.

They are crafting a great squad for this level of football at present and they will be challenging at the sharp end of the division next season, no doubt.

It was interesting to hear that McGoldrick had other offers, perhaps suggesting he turned down Middlesbrough, who have been linked with the player.

Clearly there are more important things than money at this stage of his career, so he is certainly heading to Pride Park for the right reasons this summer.