After a transfer deadline day that saw two midfielders leave Derby County and none come in, boss Gary Rowett has added to his squad from the free agent market.

The Rams have signed former Crystal Palace midfielder Joe Ledley on a free after his contract expired at Selhurst Park in the summer.

Derby had a busy deadline day that saw Craig Bryson and Jacob Butterfield depart and a move for Birmingham City's Maikel Keiftenbeld fell through.

That left Rowett very short on central midfield options, something that Ledley will rectify.

The Welsh international is only 30-years old and the club confirmed on their site that he had signed a deal until January at the iPro Stadium.

Ledley has had a fine career since leaving his boyhood club Cardiff City, enjoying success in Glasgow for Celtic before nearly reaching 100 games for Palace.

He also played a key role in Wales incredible run to the semi-final of Euro 2016.

With a game against Birmingham City on Saturday, Ledley will begin training with his new team-mates today and presumably be in the squad as Rowett prepares to face his former club.

The Verdict

Derby have been reliant on Bradley Johnson and Tom Huddlestone to play in central midfield and look very short on options there after the late dealings in the window.

George Thorne is talented and made his comeback recently but could take a while to find his fitness and form.

Therefore the signing of Ledley makes sense and even though it's a very short deal, it could be ideal for all involved.

What do you think Derby fans? Is Ledley a good capture? Would you start him on Saturday? Let us know in the comments below.