Derbyshire 'hopeful' of Olympiacos switch

Blackburn's Matt Derbyshire hopes to seal a permanent switch to Greek double winners Olympiacos.

The 22-year-old striker, who moved to Greece in January on a six-month loan deal, was a pivotal figure in the Greek Cup final on Saturday, netting twice for Olympiacos as they won 15-14 on penalties against AEK Athens to take the double - the 14th in the club's trophy-laden history.

"If you're asking me if I'd like to stay here then yes, of course," the England Under-21 international told PA Sport when asked where he would like to continue his career next season. "But it isn't down to me it's down to Blackburn Rovers and Olympiacos. I'm hopeful that something will happen."

He added: "There haven't been any talks at all at the moment.

"Obviously I will have to wait until the end of the English season to see what happens with Blackburn and negotiations will hopefully start then."

Derbyshire also revealed that Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce, whose team are still not safe from relegation after Saturday's 3-1 loss at Manchester City, had not been in contact at all with the striker since he moved to Greece.

"There's been no contact whatsoever," he said. "It doesn't bother me though to be honest because he's going through a difficult period where he's fighting relegation.

"He has to concentrate on everything he has to do at Blackburn and I appreciate that."