CONFIRMED: Reading sign up McCleary

Reading have completed the signing of Nottingham Forest winger Garath McCleary on a free transfer.

The 25-year old winger has signed a three-year deal at the Madejski Stadium and is Brian McDermott’s first signing of the summer. It is believed that McCleary had other potential destinations, such as Celtic and West Brom, but decided to join the Premier-League bound Royals.

McCleary has certainly lived up to his potential this season for Forest, winning their player of the season award. He has appeared 22 times for Steve Cotterill’s side this season, scoring an impressive nine goals. Four of those goals came in a remarkable game against Leeds, where Forest were 7-3 winners at Elland Road.

The former Slough Town winger is known for his great pace and good use of both feet. In recent months his finishing has also shown great improvement, helping Forest climb out of the relegation melee. McCleary was not part of the Forest line-up that faced the Royals in April due to suspension.