Derby County have confirmed the signing of Martyn Waghorn on a three-year deal for a fee of £5 million rising to £7.5 million. TWTD was first to reveal Derby's interest in Waghorn early last month.
Waghorn, who has been handed the number nine shirt at Pride Park, admits the uncertainty regarding his future had been praying on his mind in recent weeks.
"I was getting different calls, being fed different bits of information on a daily basis to be honest,” Waghorn told RamsTV.
"It’s quite difficult [to concentrate] when all that is happening. I still had training and games to distract myself from that and at that point, your family also help.
"I have got a really good family network around me and they help me a lot. As soon as I knew that this call was in, though, I was desperate to get up here.”
He added: "When I spoke to the manager he told me about the plans, the way he sees the club going and how I fitted into the system and team, I thought it was a very attractive proposition.
Thank you @official_itfc for a great 12 months. I’ve enjoyed every moment and I wish the club, teammates and the fans, all the best for the future ðŸ‘🻠pic.twitter.com/7nmDlIW6Q7– Martyn Waghorn (@Mwaghorn_9) August 8, 2018
"I was excited about the project and the direction the club is going in and I just wanted to be part of it.
"I know that Derby have been up and around it over the last few seasons and I’m hoping I can come in and try and help push this club forward and get back to where it wants to be, which is the Premier League. I can’t wait to get started.
"When you see the training facilities and stadium, it’s clear from the off that it is a big club.
"Over the past few years, Derby has been up and around the promotion positions and as an opposition, you know you’re going to have a difficult game.
"It’s always been the case that I have rarely picked up three points here. The club has always played attractive football too, they’re always on the front foot and that’s something I’m glad to be part of.”
Rams manager Frank Lampard fought off competition from Middlesbrough and Sheffield United among others to land Waghorn.
"I’m delighted to see Martyn Waghorn become a Derby County player - I think this is a big signing for us,” he told the Derby official website.
"He has been sought-after all summer and we’ve managed to bring him here, which is fantastic. We sold the club to him and, importantly, he wanted to come here and that’s the sort of player that I want in the squad.
"Martyn has many great qualities and he has been pretty prolific over the last few years in front of goal. He is a real all-round striker and last year we saw not only could he score goals in the Championship but create them as well.”
Waghorn made 39 starts and two sub appearances for the Blues during his single season at Portman Road having signed from Rangers for £250,000 in August last year.
Delighted to sign for @dcfcofficial, it’s an exciting time and great to be apart of the team. I want build on last season and help the club achieve its goals going forward. #DCFC Thanks to my team @keysportsmanagement for all their help. pic.twitter.com/btfc288UPR
— Martyn Waghorn (@Mwaghorn_9) August 8, 2018
The Ibrox club will receive an initial £475,000 from the South Shields-born frontman's move to Derby via a 10 per cent of profit sell-on clause.
He was directly involved in more Championship goals than anyone else during 2017/18, netting 16 times and recording 11 assists.
Confirmation of Waghorn’s exit will see the Blues formally announce the signings of Jon Nolan and Toto Nsiala from Shrewsbury.