Reading have been linked with Everton’s Joao Virginia.
According to a report by Get Reading, Everton goalkeeper Joao Virginia is close to becoming Jose Gomes’s first signing at Reading this summer.
The report claims the Portuguese shot-stopper’s loan move to Reading could be concluded in time for their behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly with Southend United on Saturday.
Virginia has been on Everton’s books for one season following his move from Arsenal in 2018. The 19-year-old has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Toffees, but he has been a regular in the development squad.
Last season, Virginia kept nine clean sheets in 13 starts for the U23s. He is highly-rated at Goodison Park, and sending him out on loan for first-team experience this coming season makes plenty of sense.
Reading were in danger of relegation to League One last season, but the arrival of Jose Gomes mid-season saw the Royals improve and subsequently preserve their Championship status.
The Portuguese boss will be looking for improvements this season, but he faces a challenge with Reading reportedly placed under a soft transfer embargo with the club needing to trim expenditure.
Virginia stands at 6ft 3inch and has international youth experience. He has featured for Portugal U19 and U21s, and he is expected to become Reading’s number one after Anssi Jaakkola’s recent exit.
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