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*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...
@GeorgeEvans70 Thanks for the time @ Walsall George! Very Skilful player who plays with a lot of heart. Good luck for the future.
— ian smythe (@IANNO51) January 17, 2016
Lol as if we've gone and binned George Evans without even giving him a senior appearance.
— Danny (@DannyM__MCFC) January 17, 2016
@GeorgeEvans70 thanks George been a great player for us during your spell with us
— Johnbassett (@johnwfcbassett) January 17, 2016
Big things ahead for @GeorgeEvans70
— louie mason (@louieemason) January 17, 2016
Massive thanks to @GeorgeEvans70 what a player gutted he will no longer be with the saddlers good luck! You have a great career ahead of you
— ℓιℓ εм (@LilemKing) January 17, 2016