Blatsis heads for Lillestrom

The Australian, who had his contract at Pride Park cancelled by mutual consent, has taken the initiative to go to Lillestrom's pre-season camp in Spain.

Blatsis is good friends with Lillestrom top-scorer Clayton Zane, as both played together in Australia's national youth sides.

The defender only played two matches at Pride Park and Lillestrom will be pleased to have a centre-half in camp, after Arne Vidar Moen left last season.

The Norwegian club had already signed Frode Kippe from Liverpool, though he will likely not join the club until the end of the Premiership season.

Lillestrom coach Bjarne Sognnaes told Norwegian daily Romerikes Blad: "We haven't been able to get in touch with Liverpool's Rick Parry this week, He was away travelling.

"I think Frode will come after the others arrive."

Meanwhile, speculation surrounding Coventry City's Runar Normann returning home to Norway was denied by Lillestrom boss Arne Erlandsen.

The club have also shown interest in free-agent Steinar Nilsen, who is trying to make a comeback from a long-term lay-off through injury.

Despite playing a friendly with Lillestrom, he also has interest from Norwegian rivals Tromso and has decided to do his own training rather than go to Spain with the club.