Wednesday 19 July 2017 22:46, UK
Reading have completed the signing of goalkeeper Vito Mannone from Sunderland for an undisclosed fee.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper completed his medical on Wednesday before penning a three-year deal, keeping him at the Madejski Stadium until the summer of 2020.
Mannone is expected to become Reading's first-choice stopper following the departure of Ali Al-Habsi, who joined Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal earlier this week.
Reading boss Jaap Stam told the club's official website: "We have some outstanding young keepers at the club but, with Ali leaving, we wanted some extra goalkeeping experience to join Anssi [Jaakkola] in the first team squad. And Mannone is a great goalkeeper.
"He has played at the highest level for both Arsenal and Sunderland and he has also played a lot of games in the Championship whilst on loan with Hull. And Vito has the abilities we are looking for - he is comfortable playing the ball with his feet and can make the right choices at the right time within our system.
"Of course, he now needs to challenge for a place in the first team - a place that Anssi wants to fight for as well, of course. But we're very glad to have him at the club. "
Reading director of football Brian Tevreden added: "I am very pleased that Vito has agreed to be a part of what we're trying to achieve here in Reading. He is a highly-rated goalkeeper with Premier League, Champions League, cup final and, importantly, valuable Championship experience - and I'm sure he will be a great signing for this football club."
