Norwich City striker Chris Martin has joined Derby County on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract.

Martin was out of contract with the Canaries this summer and they have not taken up the option of another year on the deal. The move will go through formally on July 1.

The 24-year-old striker, who spent three months on loan with Nigel Clough's Rams in the Championship, has agreed a two-year deal with a one-year option.

Martin made 117 first team appearances for City after making his senior debut against Wolves in January 2007, scoring 34 goals.

But he has started only three Premier League games since the Canaries were promoted and made only three appearances in the first team this season, two of them in the Capital One Cup.

Looking back on his time at Carrow Road, Martin said: 'I got plenty of chances at Norwich, to be fair, but probably not as many as I would have liked in the Premier League. I only played three or four games but that's the way it goes.

'I went out on loan to try to prove myself and I felt I did myself justice in those loan spells but it didn't quite work out at Norwich.

'That has obviously led me to Derby and I am delighted to be here.

'The manager is putting together a really good group of players and people here. With a few more additions, I am sure we can give it a very good shot next season.'

Martin told the Derby Telegraph he was delighted to have his future sorted out after other loan stints at Crystal Palace and Swindon Town in the past two seasons.

'The manager has shown faith in my ability and played me in pretty much every game of my loan spell,' he said.

'The lads here have made me feel very welcome. I said in my first week at the club it felt like I had been here all season and that hasn't changed one bit. I'm delighted to have signed.'

Martin scored twice in his 13 games for Derby.

He said: 'I'm a bit disappointed I didn't manage to score a few more goals.

'I think I was a bit unlucky with a few decisions that went against me but I missed a few chances as well.

'I will be looking to put in similar performances next season and look to add to my goal tally.

'I feel the way the team plays suits my game. I can be a target man but I like to come off defenders and get the ball to feet.'

Clough said he was impressed with Martin in his 13 appearances.

'It was great to bring him in on loan and have a look at him at close quarters,' said Clough.

'To get a player of his quality – and on a free transfer as well – is a good deal for the club.'

Martin progressed through City's academy and had his best season with Paul Lambert's League One title winners in 2009-10, when he scored 17 league goals and 23 in all competitions.

Arguably his most memorable goal was a late headed winner after coming on as a substitute against Leeds United at Carrow Road in March 2010.

Martin became Derby's second signing in as many days after Clough recruited goalkeeper Lee Grant from Burnley on a free transfer.