JOHN O’Shea is set to join Reading FC on a one-year contract.

The Chronicle understands Royals are confident of signing the former Manchester United defender before the end of the week.

Sources suggest a deal for the 37-year-old free agent, who recently left Sunderland after seven years, could even be confirmed before the end of the day.

O’Shea would become Paul Clement’s second signing of the summer following the capture of Barnsley captain, Andy Yiadom, on a free transfer.

Reports in the north east say O’Shea had been hoping to pen a new contract with the Black Cats despite back-to-back relegations to League One under his captaincy.

However, it is thought new manager Jack Ross decided not to take up the option of extending O’Shea’s stay at the Stadium of Light by another 12 months.

O’Shea joined Black Cats from United – where he won the Champions League and Premier League – in 2011 for £6million.

He made 226 league appearances, scoring four times, and played 256 Premier League games for United, netting 10 goals.

O’Shea is now ready to start a new chapter in his career with the Royals, a move that could also see him step into coaching when he hangs up his boots.

Reading Chronicle:

John O'Shea has left Sunderland is poised to join Reading FC. Picture: Barrington Coombs/PA Wire.

The Waterford-born defender retired from international football at the weekend after earning his 118th Republic of Ireland cap in a 2-1 friendly win over USA in Dublin.

Royals boss Clement has also been linked with Portsmouth defender, Matt Clarke, and is thought to be keen to sign Tommy Elphick permanently from Aston Villa following his loan spell last season.

Peterborough United duo Marcus Maddison and Jack Marriott are also rumoured to be on Reading’s radar.

Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony yesterday confirmed they have agreed a 'seven-figure fee' with an unnamed club for attacking midfielder Maddison, 24, but will not reveal the team.

However, some reports state Sunderland have won the chase to sign Maddison.


Striker Marriott is also being chased by Championship rivals Nottingham Forest and Bristol City.

The 23-year-old has caught the eye of a number of clubs after bagging 27 goals in 44 league games for Peterborough after joining from Luton Town in 2017.

Meanwhile, Royals' star defender Liam Moore is being tracked by Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion FC, but they will not listen to offers below the £15m mark.