Reading are nearing their first signing of the summer, close to bringing in Harvey Knibbs from Cambridge United on a free transfer.

The 24-year-old is a free agent having departed the U's at the end of last campaign, where Mark Bonner's side stayed in League One on the final day of the season.

An Aston Villa youth product, the midfielder picked up 10 goal contributions  in 2022/23 and scored nine in the previous season.

Bringing to an end his four year association with the club, the Royals have fended off interest from rival outfits to his signature, pending a medical.

It is understood that the club are aiming to get move over the line before next week's trip to Alicante for warm-weather training.

This comes as former England international Theo Walcott was spotted training at Bearwood, although it remains to be seen if this is with the intention of signing for the club or just to train local to his home.

There are just nine days until the first pre-season friendly against AFC Wimbledon.