Word is that Leeds have beaten off competition from Brighton and Hove Albion to sign Nottingham Forest striker Dexter Blackstock, as the first loan signing of the McDermott era.
The manager has been looking for a new striker for some time, and despite the four goals we scored on Sunday he is reported to be close to completing the singing of Blackstock. There have been several games this season when Leeds have had a lot of possession but failed to make it count, and even after Sunday’s game we have still scored only 14 goals in 12 games.
It’s not the first time we’ve been linked with the striker, as In December last year Leeds had reached a deal with Forest to sign Blackstock, but before the transfer window had opened Sean O’Driscoll had been sacked s Forest manager and their new boss Billy Davis decided to keep hold of the player, as he wanted to evaluate the squad he’d inherited before deciding who he wanted to move on.
Davis probably wanted to keep him as the 27 year-old had a regular place in the side during Davis’ first spell at the City Ground. And as soon as he was back in charge he granted Blackstock a new four and a half year contract, on a reported £15,000 a week. But despite this generosity Blackstock has made only one league appearance this season, and is now seen as surplus to requirements with Forest having no fewer than eight strikers in their squad.
The deal to bring Blackstock to Elland Road is likely to run until January, and depending on his form this could be extended or even converted into a permanent transfer. But that would be subject to Leeds reaching agreement with Forest and/or the player over his wages, which are currently towards the top end of Leeds’ pay structure. During his career Blackstock has scored 84 goals in 311 appearances for Forest, QPR, Derby, Plymouth and Southampton, which is reasonable record but not that prolific.
I’m never too happy about signing a player who isn’t thought to be good enough for another club in our division, and I’d rather we got someone from the Premiership. But there is always the possibility that Brian McDermott could get more out of him than Billy Davis managed and the player will be keen to show what he can do after being sidelined at Forest. Here’s hoping.