Reading boss Paul Ince revealed that he hopes to have defender Amadou Mbengue signed on by tomorrow (December 13.)

The 20-year-old signed a short-term deal in September and has impressed in his 13 appearances to date.

Relegated from Ligue 1 with Metz last campaign, the versatile defender has proved a tenacious signing from the French second tier.

Speaking on the youngster, Ince said: "That will be done hopefully tomorrow morning because he has to sign before I think 12.30 or 5.30 so that should be done fingers crossed."

With one goal to his name, in a win over Coventry City last month, the Senegal youth international has impressed the former England captain.

"He went down last year with Metz but he’s only a young kid coming across to another country. Initially you think he can play wing-back, right-sided centre-half, midfield, he’s a bit like Tom McIntyre in that respect. When he came in and played, you thought we’ve got something here. He’s only young and sometimes you think ‘oh god here he goes’ but he’s got brilliance and pace. As a person, the players love him. He’s always happy and smiling. It’s like he’s privileged to be here and be a footballer. Some people think they’re entitled to be footballers, but he doesn’t act that way, he feels like he’s blessed to be here. We want to give him the best chance we can to develop and go forward.

Reading Chronicle:

"There were a few other clubs interested in him, but he’s got a little French contingent here and he’s enjoying it. Sometimes we mention culture and environment, and sometimes it’s more important than the money you earn. I spoke to three or four players who have gone for money but realise the environment wasn’t what it was and want to come back. You want to enjoy your football and enjoy your training and your life; you don’t want to keep going back to the family miserable because the culture isn’t right. It’s about enjoying coming to training and the people you sit and have lunch with and not having bad eggs- that’s what we’re creating here. We’re not in a financial position where we can go and buy players, but we can attract players with what we’re trying to build at this club."

This comes just 24 hours after the announcement that Andy Carroll penned an 18-month extension.