Nugent departs Middlesbrough to join Derby County

Once highly-touted England attacker David Nugent has returned to his roots in the Championship, with Middlesbrough announcing Monday the forward has signed a two-and-a-half year contract with Derby County for a reported £2-million fee.

The 31-year-old joined Boro in 2015 and has gone on to make 40 appearances for the club, notching eight goals as he and his team successfully vied for promotions to the Premier League.

Nugent has notched over 150 goals at club level to date and says he is looking to keep increasing his tally for his new side, one he knows all too well as an opponent.

"I've scored a few goals against the club in the past; sometimes you have teams that you always seem to score against and Derby has been one of them," Nugent told his new side's official website. "I'm looking forward to putting the Derby County shirt on and scoring goals for the club now.

"I can't wait to get back out on the pitch and I am really excited about that. I've had a frustrating few months as I've not playing too much this season, so I am raring to go.

"I'm chomping at the bit to be playing games and I have that hunger to be playing and scoring goals. I am as hungry as ever. I can't wait to get out there, get the fans excited and help this club to be successful."