Attacking midfielder puts pen-to-paper with Derby County.

Derby County have today completed the signing of Spanish youth international Ivan Calero.

After leaving La Liga winners Atletico Madrid last month, Calero has spent the last two weeks training with the Rams, scoring in the side’s pre-season friendly against Mickleover Sports, as well as featuring in the warm-up fixtures against Nuneaton Town and Northampton Town.

The Atletico Madrid Academy graduate passed a medical at the Rams’ Training Centre yesterday afternoon, before putting pen-to-paper on a two-year deal with the club, with the option of a further year.

Calero has featured for Spain’s Under-17s, Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-20s teams, scoring six goals in 15 games, with the Rams fighting off a host of several other clubs to secure the services of the attacking midfielder, who can also operate out wide.

Head Coach Steve McClaren commented: “After a successful trial period, we are delighted to welcome Ivan to the club.


“He is a young player with an excellent pedigree and we are really pleased that he sees his future at Derby County.


“We are looking forward to working with him in order to help him develop at what is an important stage of his career.”

Calero has spent the last two seasons playing for Atletico Madrid’s B team, and was involved with Diego Simeone's first-team in 2013, after being called up for a Europa League match.

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