Patrick Bamford: Chelsea striker joins Derby County on loan

Derby County have confirmed the loan signing of Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old scored 17 goals in 30 games while on loan at MK Dons and the League One side were eager to keep him.

However, after meeting Rams head coach Steve McClaren, Bamford has instead agreed a move to Pride Park.

His last goal for the Dons was a close-range finish against FA Cup holders Wigan on Saturday to force a third-round replay.

He could made his Derby debut against Leicester on Friday.

McClaren has previously said younger players like Bamford are the type he is interested in recruiting.

Derby, who are fourth in the Championship table, completed the signing of Simon Dawkins from Tottenham on Friday and also have Michael Keane on loan from Manchester United and Andre Wisdom on loan from Liverpool.

McClaren said: "We've gone for younger players from the top teams and we want that quality, so we are looking for a youngster again to add to the squad and improve the quality that we have got."

Chelsea signed Bamford from Nottingham Forest for £1.5m in January 2012, but he has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Stamford Bridge club.