Derby chairman of football Adam Pearson has confirmed he has contacted Burton about the possibility of Nigel Clough becoming the club's new manager.

Clough has Albion 13 points clear at the top of the Blue Square Premier and on course to reach the Football League for the first time in their history.

Pearson admitted: "Nigel has got lots of attributes you look for and I have spoken to their chairman about him."

Hines tries luck at Rams

Derby have signed centre-back Seb Hines on a month's loan from Middlesbrough.

The 20-year-old defender will be eligible to face Manchester United in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg at Pride Park on Wednesday night.

Hines has risen through the youth ranks at the Riverside Stadium but has made just six first-team appearances for Boro, and only one this season, in the defeat by Hull last month.