Promotion-chasing Derby confirms Nick Blackman coup from Reading

Derby County confirmed the signing of Nick Blackman from Championship rival Reading on Wednesday, reuniting the forward with manager Paul Clement, who was on the coaching staff during Blackman's time at Blackburn Rovers.

(Courtesy: @dcfcofficial)

Blackman put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

The Rams fought off competition from Sheffield Wednesday to capture the striker, and although the fee is undisclosed, earlier reports stated it was in the region of £2 million.

Blackman, who will wear No. 22, becomes Derby's second signing of January after Abdoul Camara and adds to a now-stacked attacking lineup at Pride Park as the club seeks promotion to the Premier League.

"Nick Blackman has been in excellent form for Reading this season so we are delighted to bring one of the Championship's leading goal-scorers to the club," Clement said of the 11-goal Salford native to the club website.

"There has been a lot of interest in him so we're naturally happy that he has chosen to join us."

Blackman is available for selection in Derby's FA Cup third-round trip to Hartlepool United on Saturday.