Derby County winger Nick Blackman could be set for a move to Maccabi Tel Aviv after holding talks with the Israeli outfit, who are managed by Jordi Cruyff (son of Johan), according to the BBC’s Raphael Geller on Twitter.
Blackman is yet to feature in a matchday squad for the Rams in 2017/18, with manager Gary Rowett giving no reason in explanation of his absence.
Nick Blackman, who has Jewish roots is in negotiations with Jordi Cruyff's Maccabi Tel Aviv. Could be a very good addition for Israeli club.
— Raphael Gellar (@Raphael_Gellar) August 14, 2017
Derby County manager Rowett has, however, said on numerous occasions that he is looking to reduce the size of his squad before the end of the transfer window, despite rumours of a deal to bring Leicester’s Tom Lawrence to Pride Park getting progressively closer.
Blackman arrived for £2.5 million from Reading in January 2016 but lost his first-team place at Derby when Paul Clement – the manager who brought him to the club – was sacked. Since then, Blackman has failed to convince Darren Wassall, Nigel Pearson, Steve McClaren and now Rowett of his ability to succeed at the club.
With his former side Reading suffering from a lack of eligible players, rumours began to circulate that Blackman could be set for a return to the Madejski Stadium under ex-Manchester United defender Jaap Stam. However, the 27-year-old, who – as pointed out by Geller – has Jewish roots, could be set for a move to Israel to continue his football career.
It remains unknown as to whether any deal discussed would be on a permanent or temporary basis but, if reports are to be believed, Blackman is closing in on a departure from Derby County.
