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Reading have signed Sheffield United striker Nick Blackman for an undisclosed fee.

Blackman, 23, has scored 14 goals for the League One club this season and moves to the Royals on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

"I'm really looking forward to the move and I'm very excited," the former Blackburn striker said.

Reading boss Brian McDermott added: "He had options elsewhere but knows we try to develop players and improve them."

Blackman started his career at Macclesfield Town, making his professional debut at 17 and scoring his first goal in only his second game for the Moss Rose club.

He joined then Premier League side Blackburn Rovers in 2009 and had loan spells at Blackpool, Oldham and Motherwell before joining the Blades in August 2012.