Manager Nigel Clough feels signing Frank Fielding is a signal of intent by Derby County.

The Rams signed the England U21 goalkeeper, who finished the season on loan at Pride Park, from Blackburn on a three-year deal last week. 

Clough hailed Fieldings decision to commit his future to the club is a benchmark for the calibre of player he is looking to attract this summer. 

"It is important to have got a goalkeeper in because that is the first position in the team. They say you start from the back and build from there, and that is what we are doing," Clough told the club`s official website. 

"We have got the England U21 goalkeeper on a three-year contract and that says an awful lot about our intentions this summer. 

"We had competition for him but having him before on loan worked in our favour and he recognised the potential that Derby has. He wants to play at the top level and he believes coming to Derby will give him a good chance to do that."