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Former Reading FC loanee Dom Ballard has joined League One side Leyton Orient on a permanent deal on transfer deadline day.
The Royals had been linked with making a move for the young forward, but he has opted to sign for Orient.
The 20-year-old striker spent a short time on loan with Reading at the start of the 2023/24 campaign where he netted three times in 10 games before he suffered a season ending injury.
After disappointing loan spells with Blackpool and then Cambridge United, where he netted just three times in 35 games, Southampton have decided to let him go on a permanent deal.
He signs a three-year deal with Orient, with the option of a fourth year.
Orient boss Richie Wellens said: “We’ve had eyes on him for a couple of seasons now, and there were a lot of clubs who wanted him, so we’re over the moon that he’s chosen Leyton Orient as his next home.”
