Nick Blackman 'completes Derby County deal'

Reading's top scorer Nick Blackman reportedly completed his switch to Derby County tonight after finalising paperwork on a deal worth more than £3m.

The 26-year-old striker, who has scored 11 league goals for the Royals this term, would have been out of contract this summer and able to depart on a free after rejecting new terms with Brian McDermott's side.

According to Get Reading, Blackman signed on the dotted line tonight and will be officially confirmed as a Derby player on Wednesday morning.

Previous speculation had claimed that Blackman was close to a switch to Championship playoff-chasers Sheffield Wednesday.

Derby - currently second in the table - are expected to make a number of signings this month as they look to guarantee promotion to the Premier League in the second half of the campaign.