Sheffield United forward Nick Blackman signs for Reading FC

New Reading FC forward Nick Blackman says he is itching to play for the Royals after completing a move from Sheffield United.

The 23-year-old signed at three-and-a-half year deal at the Madejski Stadium yesterday having scored 14 goals for the Blades in League One this season.

The six footer had been the subject of a bid from Crystal Palace last week but chose to join Premier League Reading for a transfer fee believed to be £1.2m.

He said: "I’m really looking forward to it and I’m very excited.

“I met the gaffer last night, he was fantastic with me and I couldn’t have asked any more from him and Nick Hammond. I can’t wait to play – hopefully I can try and get involved as soon as possible.”

Blackman started his career at Macclesfield Town before moving to Blackburn Rovers in 2009, where he made just three first-team appearances. But he did impress during loan spells with Motherwell and Aberdeen, and secured a permanent switch to Bramall Lane last summer.

Reading manager Brian McDermott said: “We’re very pleased to get him.

“He had options elsewhere but he knows that we try to develop our players and help them get better. He’s played a lot of games, and has so much more to come.

“He can play in three or four positions – up front, either one of the wide areas and off the striker. I believe he can play off the striker, I spoke to him about that last night.

"He’s another player that’s hungry, wants to learn and wants to improve. His goalscoring record is getting better, better and better every year. He takes set plays, so he’s a really good acquisition to the group.”