Reading FC are closing in on completing a deal for experienced Portsmouth midfielder Matt Ritchie.
The 35-year-old has been seeking a move away from Championship Portsmouth all summer after he raised concerns about his playing time, with Pompey content to let him leave.
After facing competition from both Championship and League One clubs, it now appears that the Royals will secure his signature.
According to Sky Sports football journalist Mark McAdam, Reading have agreed a deal with Ritchie with a deal set to be confirmed shortly.
Reading have already had transfer dealings with Portsmouth this summer having purchased winger Paddy Lane for an undisclosed fee earlier this month.
Ritchie has vast experience in both the EFL and also the Premier League.
Having started his career at Portsmouth, he went on to play for Dagenham & Redbridge, Notts County and Swindon Town before playing a pivotal role in Bournemouth’s rise through the diHe had an exceptional campaign in the 2014/15 season as he netted 15 Championship goals to help the Cherries win promotion to the top flight.
He then played one season in the Premier League for Bournemouth where he scored four times before he left to join Newcastle United.
He scored 12 times in the Championship as he helped the Magpies regain promotion to the Premier League and then went on to play more than 215 in all competitions for the club.
Ritchie rejoined Pompey last summer and scored five goals in 39 Championship appearances to help them escape relegation.
