Sheffield United: Forest striker Blackstock rejects Blades move

Dexter Blackstock, pixtured on loan at Leeds United

Blades manager Nigel Clough is keen to add to his striking pool, with Marc McNuty out injured along with Michael Higdon and contacted his former Forest teeam-mate Stuart Pearce about taking Blackstock this week.

The Oxford-born striker has featured just once for the Reds this term - in a Capital One Cup clash at Tottenahm Hotspur - having also been out of favour last season.

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on loan last autumn, but his temporary spell was cut short by a season-ending knee injury.

But despite being down the pecking order at Forest, Blackstock has rejected a move to Bramall Lane.

A number of clubs are understood to be monitoring the situation with Blackstock, including the Blades’ Steel City rivals Sheffield Wednesday with the frontman behind Britt Assombalonga, former Owls star Michail Antonio and ex-Hull striker Matty Fraytt in the pecking order at the City Ground.

Forest chief Pearce said: “He had the option of going to Sheffield United, but did not feel it was right at this moment in time.”

Former Barnsley forward Chris O’Grady, who is out of favour at Brighton and who was wanted by the Blades in the summer, is also on their wanted list.

But the Seagulls are unwilling to let the pllayer go our on loan until they have signed a replacement.