The 25-year-old has been with Rovers since their days in the Conference and was a key player in their League One play-off final victory over Leeds United just five days ago.

But despite being offered a much-improved contract and a testimonial by Doncaster, Green has opted to join Paul Jewell's Rams and the deal will be concluded early next week.

"I have enjoyed fantastic times at Doncaster and I can't speak highly enough of the people and the fans there – they have been great to me," said Green.

"However, this is a new chapter for me and something that I felt I had to do.

"Paul Jewell has shown me the ambition he has for this club and I feel that we could really achieve something here."

It is the first big move involving Sean O'Driscoll's squad since they won the play-off final at the weekend, and leaves the manager with a huge hole to fill in midfield.

Although they will be competing at the same level as Derby next season, Green's decision shows just how much of a step-up in financial clout Doncaster are going to have to bridge.

A statement on the club's website read: "Doncaster Rovers are very disappointed that a player the club has developed from the youth team to a Wembley appearance over ther last 10 years has made this choice, but obviously the money was the overriding factor."

Over the years Green has been courted by a number of Championship and Premier League clubs, but never left the club he joined as a junior.

Graeme Sounness when manager of Blackburn Rovers, was a big admirer of the buccaneering midfielder and was a frequent visitor to Belle Vue as Doncaster established themselves in English football's third tier.

Green made 261 appearances for Rovers, scoring 33 goals, one of the most memorable being the effort he bundled over the line in Doncaster's famous Carling Cup quarter-final with Arsenal three seasons ago.

The Sheffield-born man came through Rovers' youth ranks and is the only player who was at the club when they returned to the Football League in 2003.

Green's arrival at the Rams is part of the rebuilding job under former Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford City manager Jewell.

"Paul is an energetic, tenacious midfielder with an eye for goal and is in the prime of his career at the age of 25," said Jewell.

"He's been a pivotal part of Doncaster's success as they've risen through the leagues, which is reflected in how hard they have fought to keep him there.

"The player has displayed a hunger to me to play at the highest level and a desire to play and do well for Derby County.

"He is just the type of character I want in my dressing room and I'm delighted we've secured his signature."

Jonny Howson has been rewarded for his excellent performances in guiding Leeds United to the League One play-off final by being offered a new extended contract at Elland Road.

The young midfielder, who only turned 20 last week, scored the two goals in Leeds's play-off semi-final win over Carlisle.

He made 33 appearances in only his second season in the first team. Leeds manager Gary McAllister said: "It's natural progression to keep players like him.

"Jonny is very committed, he came through the academy, he plays for the badge on his jersey and we're keen to keep these players."

Huddersfield Town will join Premier League big spenders Sunderland in a centenary tournament at Hartlepool in July.

The four-team tournament, with the final team yet to be confirmed, is a special event to commemorate the centenary's of both Huddersfield and Hartlepool. The torunament is held at Victoria Park on the weekend of July 26, 27.

Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen, 32, has signed a new two-year deal with the Coca-Cola Championship club.

Chesterfield defender Aaron Downes is set to miss the start of the new season.

The centre-back is due to represent Australia in the forthcoming Olympic Games in August and will miss the Spireites' opening three games in League Two.