According to the Derby Telegraph, Derby County forward Nick Blackman may still leave the club in the next week. Spanish Segunda outfit Sporting Gijon are looking into the prospect of making a move for the former Reading winger.
Blackman is well down the pecking order at Pride Park under new manager Frank Lampard, and would surely entertain a switch away in search of more regular football. He was not involved in the opening day win over former club Reading, and won’t be involved in the next few weeks given the competition in his area of the pitch. A switch to Spain therefore could be a move that suits all concerned.
Spanish publication Marca claim that the deal could be concluded in the coming days. Gijon enjoyed a productive season last year when reaching the play-offs, but fell at the semi-final stage. They wish to bolster their attack and believe they can get the best out of Blackman. It was during his time at Reading when he looked unplayable, which ultimately led to Derby signing him up. He failed to kick on from this however, even spending time away on loan in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv for a period last season.
The fact Blackman did not even play any part in the Rams’ final two pre-season friendlies perhaps was a sign that Lampard did not view him as part of his immediate plans. He is one of a number of Derby players that are not likely to get any game time if they remain. Therefore, a loan switch within this window appears the best solution.
