Derby County striker Nick Blackman has joined Spanish side Sporting Gijon on a season-long loan deal, as announced on their official club website.

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The 28-year-old makes his second switch aboard in as many seasons, having enjoyed a spell in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv last season. He scored ten goals in 31 outings for them, but hasn't been able to force his way into Frank Lampard's plans.

Blackman joined Derby from Reading for £3m in 2016 after scoring 13 goals in 28 appearance for the Royals in 2015/16. Prior to that his record had been less impressive, notching 22 in 113 outings.

He played just 29 matches for the Rams after his move, but scored just a solitary goal. He only started seven Championship matches, and his one goal came from the penalty spot against Cardiff in 2016.

He's also featured for Sheffield United, Blackburn and Aberdeen, with Gijon becoming the tenth club of his career.

His new side play in the Spanish second division, but narrowly missed out on promotion to La Liga last season after finishing fourth. He joins FC Basel midfielder Neftali Manzambi and Belenenses André Sousa on loan at Estadio El Molinón.

The Verdict

£3m, seven starts, one goal. That is the reason Blackman is on his way. His record is less than impressive throughout his career, that one season at Reading accounts for over a quarter of his United Kingdom career goals.

Gijon will offer something a bit different, some sun and warm weather in which to play his football, as well as a chance to maybe visit the Nou Camp or Bernabéu in the Spanish Cup.