Peruvian Winger's Club Claim Done Deal For Reading Move

The 25-year-old has just one year left on his contract in Porto and impressed in Peru's run to the semi-finals of the Copa America during the summer. Eager to improve Reading's attacking options, Royals boss Steve Clarke looks to have taken to the continent for signings, as predicted earlier in the summer when Reading scouts were spotted in Portugal during last season.

GetReading quote the Portuguese club's president Rui Seabra as confirming the transfer, discussing how it happened very quickly, which would fit the narrative back in Berkshire as their has been little gossip of this deal until late last week. Clarke refused to give any real update on their pursuit of Hurtado on the weekend, but implied the deal was in motion.

However, Seabra's quotes reveal a sale, but who it is to is perhaps not certain. This doubt is raised because reports across the Portuguese media name S.C. Braga as another club highly interested in the winger. Nevertheless, the same outlets claim that Hurtado, who is known as 'El Caballito' (aka The Horse), is happy with the prospect of moving to England.

The Peruvian international is expected to sign a three-year deal with Reading, should the deal be confirmed, with no word as of yet regarding a transfer fee. It will be Hurtado's first move to the UK after playing in for Pacos since 2012, which he joined from Allianz Lima, one of Peru's most successful clubs.

Is it on the wings that Reading need improvements? Hoops seemed to think so when he previewed the position yesterday evening. To whet your appetite, here is the obligatory grainy and completely out of context selection of his best bits from YouTube.