French-Football

Reading have signed Emerse Fae from Nantes for a club record fee.

The Ivory Coast international has joined Steve Coppell's side for an initial ฃ2.5million and has penned a three-year deal.

The 23-year-old midfielder, who will wear the number 20 shirt, was linked with Manchester City earlier this summer after Reading denied they were close to signing him.

But The Royals stepped up their interest and are delighted to have secured him.

Director of football Nick Hammond said: "We have tracked Emerse for a considerable period of time, and we feel that the deal we have agreed with Nantes represents very good value, especially in the current market place.

"He loves to break forward and drive with the ball, and will offer something a little different to the other midfielders within our squad."