STEVE Davies is weighing over whether to join up with Paul Jewell for a second time after saying his goodbyes to Derby County.

The 24-year-old striker confirmed his expected departure from Pride Park with a special message to Rams’ fans on Twitter.

And while he is considering his options, he revealed that he expected to be moving “down south”, with Derby boss Nigel Clough conceding defeat in his battle to keep hold of his hitman.

Davies was understandably coy when contacted by the EADT but he admitted that Ipswich were among his options as he considers where to ply his trade next year.

Some supporters might question his poor injury record having made little more than 50 starts in his four seasons at Pride Park. But his 21 goals – including 12 last season – suggest a decent scoring record if he can stay fit.

Davies is out of contract next summer but Clough is holding out for a fee believed to be close to �1 million – four years after then-Rams boss Jewell signed the fellow Liverpudlian for a potential tribunal fee of �725,000.

Writing a message to Derby fans on Twitter, Davies said: “Sorry guys and girls. Unfortunately I am leaving and I know people are sceptical but it is honestly for family reasons.

“Me and my family have loved it here and I have loved playing for #dcfc (Derby County FC) but it’s time to move on- you have been great fans thankyou. My family are actually from London so I think it will be down south but not 100% just yet. Thanks for the support.”

With Davies not expected to attract a Premier League suitor, he is likely to be referring to one of Ipswich, Brighton, Charlton, Crystal Palace, Millwall, Peterborough or Watford.