Nick Blackman has joined Reading on a £1.2m deal.

The 23-year-old striker, who has a Jewish mother, joined from Sheffield United having recently turned down a similar offer from Crystal Palace.

"I'm really looking forward to it and I'm very excited," said Blackman, who once represented Team GB at the Maccabiah Games in Israel.

The former Blackburn star watched his new teammates stage a dramatic comeback against Chelsea in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

Blackman added: "I met the gaffer last night, he was fantastic with me and I couldn't have asked any more from him and Nicky Hammond. I can't wait to play - hopefully I can try and get involved as soon as possible."

Reading manager Brian McDermott commented: "We're very pleased to get him. He had options elsewhere but he knows that we try to develop our players and get them better. He's played a lot of games, and has so much more to come.

"He can play in three or four positions - up front, either one of the wide areas and off the striker. I believe he can play off the striker, I spoke to him about that last night.

"He's another player that's hungry, wants to learn and wants to improve. His goalscoring record is getting better, better and better every year. He takes set plays, so he's a really good acquisition to the group."