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CONFIRMED: Manchester City Midfielder Joins Reading FC

Brian McDermott's first incoming transfer of his second spell in charge has been confirmed.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

*UPDATE*

The deal has now been confirmed and Evans arrives from City on a three-and-a-half year deal. The fee is as usual undisclosed but multiple sources are reporting it as a free transfer with add-ons to come down the road.

Brian McDermott told the club's official website.

"I am delighted we have secured the signing of George. I saw him play for Walsall while I was scouting for Arsenal and we've followed him ever since. He is a great guy and a terrific young midfielder with great pedigree, and I'm sure he will become an even better player working in our environment at Reading."

You can read what our chums at Walsall Podcast, One Pod Beyond had to say on Evans here.

In the meantime, welcome George and best of luck at the Madejski Stadium!

*****

What do you do if your team is struggling to score goals and you've just sold your top scorer to Championship rivals Derby County? If you're Brian McDermott, you go after Manchester City midfielder George Evans.

The story first emerged yesterday, as Evans' recently extended loan spell at high-flying Walsall in League One was quickly severed, leaving many Citizens fans to wonder what on earth was going on. The Mirror then reported that he was close to joining The Royals, which GetReading then confirmed.

Getreading.co.uk understands a deal is close - but is not yet complete.

Evans has a big reputation among the Etihad faithful, having been part of the academy from the age of eight and was the first City player to represent the Sky Blues at every level from Under 8 to First Team when he came on in place of Yaya Toure in the Capital One Cup victory over Sunderland earlier this season.

During his loan spell at Walsall, Evans has played 16 games and scored 4 goals.

Indeed, this move makes even more sense when you think back to McDermott's comments when asked about Reading legend Steve Sidwell possibly returning on loan. He said:

"We have players like Tshibola and my gut feeling is if we are to sign a midfield player now, maybe it would be a younger one who we can develop - that might be on the agenda."

If these tweets are anything to go by, Reading are on the verge of an impressive signing...