David Meyler has become Reading’s second signing of the summer.
The Republic of Ireland international, 29, joins on a free transfer when his contract at Hull City expires at the end of this month, following on from the confirmed arrival of right-back Andy Yiadom from Barnsley.
The midfielder has penned a two-year deal with the Royals with an option to extend that into a third year.
Meyler made 31 appearances for club and country this season, most recently in Ireland’s international friendly defeat against France last month.
He also netted five goals and adds something extra to the Reading midfield.
“I am very happy to welcome David to the club as our second signing of the summer,” said Royals boss Paul Clement.
“He comes here with a lot of experience at this level but also the level above and with his ability and his leadership qualities, David is going to add a lot to our squad.
“At the end of last season, I felt it was important to bring in a player of David’s profile. And when I met with him, I got a real sense of his ambition to play at the highest level again.
“Together, we’ll be fighting to push this club forward.”
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After coming through the youth ranks at hometown club Cork City, Meyler moved to Sunderland in 2008, breaking into the first team a year later and played 31 times before joining Hull in 2012, initially on loan.
A permanent move for around £1.5 million followed in 2013 and he has been on Humberside ever since, helping the club to the FA Cup final in 2014 where he played alongside Royals captain Paul McShane.
As well as Premier League experience with the Tigers, Meyler has also played in the Europa League in 2015 and made well over 150 appearances in total for Hull and has 20 caps for his country.
“David is a player with Premier League and international pedigree and he also knows exactly what it takes to get promoted from one of the toughest divisions in the world – the Championship,” said chief executive Ron Gourlay.
“We are pleased to be completing good business so early in the summer and, following Andy Yiadom’s commitment to the club last month, I am very confident David will be another valuable addition to our squad.”
Reading are also expected to complete a deal for fellow Irishman John O’Shea this week.
