Derbyshire on verge of move to Greek giants

Matt Derbyshire has told Sky Sports that he is close to completing a sensational loan switch to Greek champions Olympiakos.

The Greek league leaders have agreed a deal that will see the striker move to Greece on a loan deal until the end of the season after the youngster has failed to break through under new boss Sam Allardyce.

Rovers are willing to loan out Derbyshire should they find a suitable replacement for the 22-year-old confirmed Allardyce.

“He has not quite joined yet. He has expressed a wish to go and he would like the opportunity to play for them but, like anybody else, a replacement is critical.” said Allardyce.

The striker has admitted that the temptation of moving to Greece and experiencing a new league has sealed the deal for him.

“Blackburn have given me permission to fly out to Greece to talk to Olympiakos and undergo a medical,” Derbyshire told skysports.com.

“I am excited at the prospect of joining such a big club as Olympiakos and when I found out about the possibility of moving there it was something I looked at.

“I saw they were top of the league and I have been told by various people they are the biggest club in Greece with fanatical fans. I know players like Tresor Lomana Lua Lua had a spell there and fingers crossed everything all goes to plan so I can join Olympiakos.

“I had the opportunity to stay in England as other clubs were interested in me, but I fancied this opportunity to join one of Europe’s biggest clubs. It gives me the chance to play in Europe and experience a different culture and I am really looking forward to it.”