Paul Jewell hopes to tie up the signing of experienced defender Darren Powell ahead of this weekend's trip to Ipswich Town.

The 32-year-old has agreed a short-term deal to join Derby until the end of December with Jewell looking for cover in the centre-half ranks.

And the boss is hoping to get everything confirmed in time for Powell to join the squad at Portman Road.

"It's no secret that we need extra cover at the back and Darren fits the bill in terms of his knowledge of the game and is a strong personality," said Jewell.

"He would give us cover in the short-term and we can have a look at him while he can also have a look at us.

"We have got two centre-halves out and as we stand today I haven't got one in the building with Lewin Nyatanga coming back from Denmark and Claude Davis returning from Jamaica.

"Darren is an old-fashioned defender who heads it and kicks it clear, and there is a lot to be said for that.

"If he comes here and does well he could get himself a contract to the end of the season."

Powell began his career with Hampton & Richmond Borough before joining Brentford in 1998 and spending four years at Griffin Park until Crystal Palace came calling for a £400,000 move.

He helped the Eagles to Premier League promotion via the play-offs in 2004 and gained experience of playing in the top-flight before leaving Selhurst Park for Southampton in July 2005.

London-born Powell is an imposing character at six feet three inches tall and weighing in at over 13 stone.

His 275 career games have seen him net 15 times, and played several reserve matches for Charlton Athletic earlier this season.