PAVEL Pogrebnyak has left Reading FC to join Dynamo Moscow.

The 31-year-old's shock return to Russia was confirmed by the Royals this afternoon.

His departure leaves Reading boss Steve Clarke desperately short of options up front, with Orlando Sa Simon Cox and Nick Blackman the only fit recognised strikers left at the club.

However, with Pogrebnyak now off the club's books it should give Clarke the green light to bring in reinforcements before the September 1 transfer deadline as the Russian was one of the highest earning players at Madejski Stadium and had one year left to run on his contract.

Clarke said: “In the second half of last season Pavel was a key player in my team and made a vital contribution.

“His work rate and commitment to Reading FC were a big plus for me. Now he has the opportunity of a great move back to Russia, I can only thank him for his efforts and wish him well for the future.”

Royals director of football Nick Hammond added: “We have been in discussions with Dynamo over the last couple of weeks, this move represents a good opportunity for Pavel to move back home.
“I would like to place on record that Pavel is a true gentleman, he always gave his best for Reading Football Club and we wish him well.”

Clarke has been heavily linked with Robert Beric, whose Rapid Vienna crashed out of the Champions League qualifiers on Tuesday night to Shakhtar Donetsk.

That could mean Beric is available for a move, though Sheffield Wednesday and French outfit Saint Etienne have also been tracking the £3.5m-rated forward.

As revealed in today's Chronicle, Royals have also been linked with highly-rated Chelsea starlet, Lucas Piazon.

The 21-year-old Brazillian can play on the wing, behind the striker or in attack.

He has enjoyed recent loan spells with Malaga, Vitesse Arnhem and Eintracht Frankfurt and could join Royals on a short-term deal.

Reading are also hoping to bring Piazon's Blues teammate, Nathaniel Chalobah, back to the Madejski Stadium for a second loan spell.