Ayala made five appearances for Liverpool last season

Derby County have signed Liverpool defender Daniel Ayala on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old spent time with Hull earlier in the season.

Manager Nigel Clough said: "We're pleased to bring Daniel on board for the rest of the season, especially as he has been in demand.

"I would like to express our thanks to Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool that they have decided Derby is the best place for Daniel at this stage."

The Spanish-born defender played 12 games for Hull at the start of the campaign, scoring in their 2-0 victory over the Rams in mid-September - his first professional goal.

The hard work has now paid off and we're pleased to have Daniel with us Nigel Clough on Daniel Ayala

"He is a talented defender who we've seen in action on numerous occasions and feel he has the qualities to help improve our defensive record, which we feel has not been good enough lately," Clough added.

"This deal has been in the pipeline for a few weeks and we've had to remain patient, but the hard work has now paid off and we're pleased to have Daniel with us."

Ayala, whose move to Derby was initially delayed due to a hamstring injury, has made five appearances for Liverpool since joining from Sevilla in 2007.

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