Derby County join chase to sign Jordan Ayew if...

English second tier side Derby County have joined the clubs showing interest in Aston Villa striker Jordan Ayew as they are seeking to sign the Ghanaian if they win promotion to the Premier League.

The Ghana international is also wanted by West Ham as they weigh up striker options for the summer.

Villa paid £9.6million for the 24-year-old former Lorient forward, and he has scored six goals this season, all in the club's futile pursuit of Premier League survival.

They would want to recoup their money but may have to take less with the player ready to move on as part of the club's summer overhaul.

Derby, who visit Charlton this weekend, are fifth in the Championship under the new-look management team of Darren Wassall and Harry Redknapp and the purchase of Ayew would likely hinge on them gaining promotion.

Redknapp is a confirmed fan of Ayew and maintains he is a player who deserves to be playing in the top flight.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic admires the way Ayew has worked for his goals this season and was not put off by Ayew's show of indiscipline earlier this season when he was sent off for elbowing Aaron Cresswell during Villa's 2-0 defeat at the Boleyn Ground.