UPDATE: Blackman Joining Derby

UPDATE: It now seems as though Derby County have gazumped the Owls and Blackman will instead be heading to the iPro Stadium. A full announcement expected on Wednesday morning.

Three and a half year deal with Derby for Blackman - deal which could be worth up to £3m. #readingfc

— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) January 5, 2016

Nick Blackman is a Derby player. [via @vivasasima] #readingfc #dcfc pic.twitter.com/OAw2ZyFuMd

— Talk Reading (@TalkReading) January 5, 2016

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

Nick Blackman, aka 'The Championship Sturridge', is set to depart The Royals for Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday.

According to the ever-reputable 'Sky Sources', Reading have supposedly accepted a bid for their top scorer, with The Owls now in talks to sign the winger-cum-striker.

Sky Sources: Reading accept bid from Sheffield Wednesday for striker Nick Blackman, and Wednesday are now in talks with the player. #SWFC

— David Garrido (@SkySportsDavid) January 5, 2016

Blackman, who signed for Brian McDermott's Reading 1.0 in January 2013, has only six months remaining on his contract.

A £1 million fee brought the former Sheffield United striker to Reading, with him largely failing to nail down a place in the side and show why he was worth that amount... Well, until this season, where he has banged in 13 goals and claimed two assists in 28 appearances (all competitions).

It's long been known that Blackman's contract runs out at the end of this season, with the fanbase split between three choices: keep him for the season but let him leave for free, sell him in January while you can, sign him up for a new contract and hope this isn't a good patch of form.

It seems Brian McDermott and 'The Reading Way' has determined option number two is best.

Keep your eyes peeled on The Tilehurst End for more news and rumours.