Derby sign Blackburn's Best on loan
- adamhigginsuk
- Aug 4, 2014
- 2 min read
On target: Best scored for Blackburn against Derby in their opening Championship match of last season (Picture from InSport)
Derby County have signed striker Leon Best from SkyBet Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers on a season-long loan deal.
Rams head coach Steve McClaren has been in the market for someone to provide competition and cover for last season's top scorer Chris Martin and showed an interest in Lukas Jutkiewicz before he left Middlesbrough to join Premier League newcomers Burnley.
But Best scored just two goals for Rovers in 16 appearances over two years and started just five games under Gary Bowyer last term.
"I'm extremely pleased that we have been able to sign Leon Best on loan for the season," McClaren told the club's official website.
"He is a player with Premier League and Championship experience, knows how to score goals and he will provide a different option in our attacking armoury.
"We have been keen to add to our frontline during the summer and Leon is someone that we have discussed at length.
"I've spoken to the player and believe he views this loan move as a fresh start, and I can sense he is determined to make the most of the opportunity."
Nottingham-born Best has scored 59 goals in 251 games during a career that began at Southampton and saw him go on to play for Coventry and Newcastle.
The Republic of Ireland international left the Magpies to join Blackburn two years ago in a £3 million deal, signing a four-year contract.
The 27-year-old scored five goals in 16 games on loan at Sheffield Wednesday last season.
Best will not be allowed to play for Derby when they face Rovers in the league on September 17 and January 24.
"I am delighted to sign and be working with Steve McClaren; it is something I am very much looking forward to. He showed a lot of enthusiasm to sign me and I really wanted to get the deal done," the striker said after his move was confirmed.
"It is always nice to be wanted and that has made me want to come here and work hard for him. I believe this is a key move in my career and after how well Derby did last season it is a pleasure to come here and work with the players and management."
Last updated: 4 August 2014 12:55pm
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