GEORGE Evans is on the verge of leaving Reading FC after Royals reportedly accepted a six-figure bid from Sunderland.

The Black Cats have pounced for midfielder Evans, who has one year left on his deal at Madejski Stadium, as Jack Ross looks to build a team to challenge at the top end of League One next season.

Evans flew out to Austria to join Reading’s pre-season training camp yesterday, but will be given permission to travel to Sunderland, the Chronicle understands.

The midfielder played a bit-part role in Royals’ disappointing season last time round, having suffered an injury early on, as he made 23 appearances across the Championship campaign.

He fell out of favour when Paul Clement replaced Jaap Stam in March, with the new boss seemingly intent on using experience to keep Royals in the Championship.

Now Reading are looking to cash in on the midfielder, who joined from Manchester City when Brian McDermott was in charge in Berkshire.

But supporters hit out at rumours Royals are prepared to sell the Manchester-born midfielder.

Fans posted on Twitter: “Has so much potential and has proven to be good enough to play at this level. Distraught.”

“Why are we selling him? Good enough to be a squad player at least?”

“He’s still so much better than Edwards and JVD if he is going to Sunderland we will come to regret it.”

Meanwhile, Royals have seen a potential loan move for fellow midfielder Joey van den Berg to FC Utrecht stall over wage concerns.

The Dutchman has drawn plenty of interest from his homeland and has not travelled to Austria with the rest of the group after being told he can leave the club this summer.

Clement suggested this weekend that Royals are closing in on a new striker to partner Marc McNulty, who Reading recently secured from League One side Coventry City for more than £1million.

That would also allow Sam Smith, 20, to go out on loan with Oxford United his likely destination.

More follows.