Mullins completes Reading deal

Portsmouth midfielder Hayden Mullins has completed his move to Championship rivals Reading on loan until the end of the season.

The 32-year old versatile midfielder, who can also play in defence, brings a wealth of experience to the Reading squad as they approach the crucial final 10 games of the season. Mullins has appeared in all of Pompey’s games this season apart from two, scoring one goal in the process.

Reading’s Director of Football Nicky Hammond told the official RFC site: ‘We are delighted that Hayden has signed. We have known him for a long time and he has come close to signing on a few occasions in the past. He has great experience and also versatility. Importantly, as a person he will also be a very good fit for our group.’

Financially troubled side Portsmouth, who need to cut the wage bill of their highest earners, have already had to let go the likes of Erik Huskelepp, Liam Lawrence and Stephen Hendersen on loan. It was reported that Mullins was earning an incredible £33,000 a week at Pompey, having signed when they were a Premier League side.

The move is a loan deal until the end of the season but a permanent move could materialise when the season has ended. It has turned out to be a convenient move for the Reading-born player as his mum lives just minutes away from the Madejski Stadium and his son is a part of the Royals’ academy.

The former West Ham player has made over 500 career appearances, with the majority of them coming in the Premier League. This move very much leaves want-away midfielder Brian Howard even further out of the Reading equation, triggering a likely departure at the end of the season.