Reading close in on Pogrebnyak

Reading have agreed terms to sign Russian international striker Pavel Pogrebnyak.

Manager Brian McDermott sees Pogrebnyak as the ideal signing to add more experience to his side ahead of their Premier League campaign next season.

Pogrebnyak, 28, impressed during a six-month stay at Fulham last season as he went on to score six goals in 12 games for Martin Jol’s outfit after he was allowed to leave German side VfB Stuttgart on a free transfer.

It now looks as if Reading are set to beat Fulham to the striker’s signature in what will represent something of a transfer coup for the newly-promoted side.

A statement on the club’s official website read as follows: “Reading Football Club has agreed terms with Pavel Pogrebnyak to join the club.

“The player has already completed a medical and the deal is now only subject to the player obtaining a UK work permit.

“Reading Football Club anticipate completing the signing within the next 7 days.”

Pogrebnyak featured for Russia at Euro 2012 and has gone on to make 32 appearances for his country, scoring eight times.