It looks like the Royals are on the verge of adding another player to their squad, that player being Dutch midfielder Joey Van Den Berg. Like the Anthony Koura rumour we reported earlier today, this one hasn't come from nowhere. In fact, Reading's interest was first noted a couple of days ago.
However, unlike the Koura rumour, this deal seems like it's almost completed. Reading Post reporter Charles Watts certainly thinks so...
Hearing that #readingfc are very close to signing Joey van den Berg. All signs now pointing to the deal being done.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) June 23, 2016
Dutch site Voetbal International also back that up, suggesting that Van Den Berg will move to Berkshire on a two year deal. Plus, that same article claims that Reading had to fight off significant interest from clubs in the Netherlands, specifically NEC, FC Twente and PEC Zwolle. However, going back to our familiar source, Charles Watts puts forward why the Dutchman opted for the Madejski Stadium.
Plenty of interest in the midfielder from Holland, but Stam has close links with him. Worked with him before. Will be on a free. #readingfc
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) June 23, 2016
What are Reading getting?
Van Den Berg is a 30 year-old central midfielder who's played for the likes of SC Heerenveen, Go Ahead Eagles and FC Zwolle, all of which are currently in the Eredivisie. Transfermarkt give his position as 'attacking midfield', but his seven career red cards would suggest a more combative nature.
Although it's hard to know how good he actually is, interest from the previously mentioned Dutch sides would suggest that he's quite highly regarded.
Either way, Reading are getting a player who ticks a number of boxes. Van Den Berg is an experienced player available on a free who, importantly - as Charles Watts pointed out - already knows Jaap Stam.
For me, that's a vital asset. If Reading are to adapt to a new manager and style of football, we need players that can help the transition period.