Former Reading defender Ethan Bristow has returned to the UK from the MLS, joining Stockport County on loan.

The 21-year-old from Maidenhead played seven times for the Royals before moving north to join Tranmere Rovers.

Enjoying a breakout spell at Prenton Park, the full-back made over 50 appearances in his sole season and earned a big move to Minnesota United in Major League Soccer.

Making 12 appearances, the youngster has agreed to return to home soil during the close season in America, moving to promotion-chasing Stockport until May.

The Hatters are currently sitting top of League Two, having lost in the play-off final last season to Carlisle United.

First-Team Manager Dave Challinor said: “We’re delighted to be able to secure bringing Ethan to the club; there are so many positives to the move from our perspective. We were obviously in a situation where we needed to immediately replace Ibby for the period he will miss due to the African Cup of Nations and it’s a position where we had no real depth with Ryan Rydel being out for the season with his ACL injury.

“Ethan not only fits the profile of what we want for that position, but he can also begin training with us now in order to get him integrated and up to speed as soon as possible. He’s not played for a little while so that will be important, and we’ve got nearly three weeks to do that.

“The other huge positive is that we bring in a player with recent League Two experience from his time last season at Tranmere. He was a real hit there and had a big impact on their team with his performances down that left hand side. We’ve had nothing but positive reports from the people I know there about his character and ambition to improve. We are already enjoying working with him and looking forward to his performances in a County shirt.”