Ashley Cole has agreed terms on a £15,000-per-week deal to join Derby and help old friend Frank Lampard in the push for promotion from the Championship.
The 38-year-old's shock return to English football comes after Lampard persuaded owner Mel Morris to loosen the purse strings for his former Chelsea team-mate.
Cole's wage will include bonuses and the official announcement of his deal with the Rams is to be made on Monday after he undertakes a medical in the next 48 hours.
He joins on a six-month deal, having played for Los Angeles Galaxy until last October.
Ever the consummate professional, the veteran England left-back has kept himself in superb condition and will look to hit the ground running under Lampard's management.
Morris was moved by Lampard to sanction Cole's signing as the boss wants to cover areas of his team should injuries strike and views his long-time friend as ideal, while the defender wants matches before deciding whether to retire.
Regarded by many as the best left-back of his generation, Cole will bring with him a wealth of experience to Pride Park.
After winning 107 England caps, and 13 trophies at Arsenal and Chelsea, Cole moved abroad in 2014 to join Roma. He signed for La Galaxy in 2016.
Lampard first raised the possibility of bringing in Cole earlier in the season. At the time he said: 'I don't know. I know Ashley well. I haven't spoken to him on it, so it's a conversation I could easily have.
'We also have Max Lowe on loan at Aberdeen as a young left back who had a really good pre-season for us.
'So, again, one to consider over the next few weeks.