• Premier League

Reading react fast to sign McCleary

Garath McCleary will join Reading © PA Photos

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Reading have made their first signing since securing promotion to the Premier League as Garath McCleary has joined the club on a free transfer from Nottingham Forest.

McCleary, 25, has agreed a three-year deal to move to the Madejski Stadium, ending his four-year stay at Forest.

The pacy winger became a regular under Steve Cotterill and netted four goals in the club's record 7-3 victory away to Leeds United.

Royals manager Brian McDermott told the club's website: "It's important we have brought a player of Garath's quality through the door. It's an early signing for us, and a great one. We are absolutely delighted to get him.

"He's young, he's got an eye for goal, he's very quick and has got a real energy about him. He wants to work hard and improve and, in all the players we have got here, that is a key attribute.

"And he's a nice lad, so he'll fit in well with what we're trying to do at this club."

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