Reading’s hopes of securing striker Ronan Hale have been extinguished after the Northern Ireland international completed a move to League Two club Gillingham FC.
The 27-year-old forward has signed a permanent deal from Scottish Championship side Ross County, ending speculation linking him with a switch to the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Hale had been a target for Reading throughout the past year, with the Royals exploring a possible addition to their attacking options. Interest in the Belfast-born striker had been reported alongside other clubs in England’s lower leagues, with Reading, Wigan Athletic and others understood to have monitored his situation.
However, Ross County consistently resisted early approaches, reportedly turning down at least two bids from Gillingham before sanctioning the transfer. Reading’s pursuit never reached a stage where a formal offer was lodged, with the club having already strengthened up front earlier in the window as Will Keane joined on loan from Preston.
Hale, who scored 30 goals in 68 appearances for Ross County since joining in 2024, put in a transfer request amid clear ambitions to play in England. Despite the interest from clubs higher up the football pyramid, it is Gillingham who have secured his signature on a two-and-a-half year contract, with an option for a further year.
