JOHNNY RUSSELL has decided to ditch Derby County to sign for Sporting Kansas City in the MLS.

The 27-year-old Scottish forward has agreed terms with the Western Conference side and is expected to join them for a nominal fee of around £250,000.

5 Johnny Russell is heading to Sporting Kansas City in the MLS Credit: Reuters

He should be there in time for their opening game of the new MLS season at home to New York City on March 4.

The shock move will come as a blow to the Rams’ promotion hopes as Russell has returned from the cold to play in Derby’s last five matches.

Russell was dropped by manager Gary Rowett earlier in the season after a dip in form but fought his way back into his plans and has scored five goals in 25 appearances this season.

The Scot is one of Derby's longest-serving players and has scored 34 goals in 203 appearances since his bargain £750,000 move from Dundee United in the summer of 2013.

5 Credit: Getty Images - Getty

He is expected to fetch a transfer fee of around £250,000

5 One of Derby's longest serving players. Russell has been in a rich vein of form Credit: EMPICS Sport

But the talented forward has had ambitions to sample life in the MLS and wants to pursue a career and lifestyle change with Sporting Kansas City.

They, incidentally, finished fifth in the 11-team Western Conference last season to qualify for the MLS play-offs.

Sporting Kansas crashed out in round one of the MLS Cup play offs, losing 1-0 to Houston Dynamo after extra time. But they lifted the 2017 US Open Cup, beating New York Red Bulls 2-1 in the final.

Long-serving manager Peter Vermes has provided stability for SKC and will be delighted to land a 27-year-old of Russell’s ability, after the Scot turned his back on a possible return to the Premier League next season to move Stateside.

5 Russell's deal with Derby was up at the end of the season Credit: Reuters

5 Russell's desire to live in the States was behind his decision to leave Credit: Reuters

Russell's contract with the Rams was due to expire at the end of the season and he had turned down the offer of a new deal.

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Rowett confirmed Russell’s desire to live in the States was behind his decision to leave.

"I think his wish is to pursue a chance to play in the MLS," said the Rams boss "He's turned down those contract offers."

Russell won’t be in the Rams squad for Tuesday night's Championship clash with Millwall at the Den and it now looks as if his recent appearance in the 0-0 draw with Bristol City will be his last for the club.