DERBY County manager Paul Jewell has jumped to the head of the queue in the race to sign Blackburn Rovers midfielder Robbie Savage.

The Rams have emerged as the frontrunners in the battle to sign the former Welsh international, following a day of calls at boardroom level yesterday.

Sunderland chief Roy Keane, and Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce, are also keen on landing the 33-year-old midfielder, who has been told he can leave Blackburn by Rovers boss Mark Hughes.

However, Lancashire Telegraph Sport understands that Savage would prefer a move to Pride Park instead, even though Derby are virtually doomed to relegation from the Premier League.

The former Birmingham star, who has started just one Premier League game for Rovers since the 2-1 win at Tottenham in October, is desperate to get his future sorted out as quickly as possible following a frank heart-to-heart meeting with Hughes earlier this week.

As yet, none of three clubs pursuing Sav-age has managed to meet Rovers' asking price, which is believed to be in the region of £1.75 million.

But it is thought the player's preferred choice is Derby because he is excited by the club's long-term prospects, and it would mean he could commute from his Cheshire home, an option that would not be possible if he ended up joining Sunderland.