Royals close in on Sunzu deal

Reading are edging closer to signing long-term target Stopilla Sunzu.

The Zambian international has flown to England from the African Cup of Nations base in South Africa, to complete his medical in Berkshire, which is expected to be completed tomorrow. TP Mazembe have agreed a fee with Reading for the defender, with personal terms the only barrier now needed to cross.

Fellow Premier League side Arsenal were also interested in the 23-year old, but did not make a formal offer for Sunzu. Once the deal has been completed, Stopilla will fly back to South Africa to compete for Zambia in the African Cup of Nations. The tournamemt is set to finish on the 10th February.

I’m not sure if Sunzu will be a short-term option for us at the moment, as we currently have four centre backs on our books. However, it would be naive to assume that Alex Pearce will be on his way out because of this transfer, as it is still expected that the 24-year old will sign a new deal at the club.