Scott Banks of Crystal Palace was a loan target for Blackburn Rovers this summer, but the youngster is now poised for an overseas switch to German second division side St. Pauli.
According to Alan Nixon, the Scottish midfielder has made his way to Hamburg in order to finalise his season-long loan switch to the Boys in Brown.
Rovers, alongside a host of other Championship sides, had hoped to secure his services for the campaign whereas League One outfit Blackpool wanted to sign him permanently.
The Seasiders were close to a £500,000 deal before Blackburn’s enquiry, with Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side attempting to loan him with a view to buying next summer.
Banks is now set for St. Pauli and will try his luck in Germany following a successful season in League Two with Bradford City during the previous campaign.
Playing under former Stoke City and Manchester City boss Mark Hughes, the 21-year-old scored six and assisted six in 36 appearances.
Hughes was full of praise for the Palace youngster come the end of the season in which the Bantams fell short in the play-off semi-finals to eventual play-off winners Carlisle United.
“Banksy can look back on his time with us with great pride,” said the former City boss.
“He has done exceptionally well. It was his first loan [in England] and the impact he has had is a credit to him.”
The Eagles signed Banks from Dundee United in the January transfer window of 2020 following a rejected £400,000 bid the previous summer.
Prior to his Bradford spell, he spent time on loan back in his homeland with Alloa Athletic and Dunfermline Athletic where he impressed in his limited appearances.
Banks to Blackburn off?
His contract with Palace expires next summer, so Blackburn may be able to try their luck again in 2024 should they remain interested in the Scotland Under-21s international, however, you may expect St. Pauli to be in the driving seat with this one if they like what they see during his temporary stay.
Rovers will now have to look to other targets.