Friday, 21st June, 2013
Reading have at last completed the signing of former Real Madrid and Everton midfielder Royston Drenthe from Russian side Alania Vladikavkaz.
The Holland international was at Vladikavkaz for less than half a season starting February this year, and managed six appearances scoring three goals.
The 26-year-old’s agent had indicated earlier this month that a deal was imminent, and the Royals confirmed the same on their site today.
Drenthe has signed a two-year deal with Reading giving him the option of an additional year.
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Drenthe began his professional career at Excelsior Rotterdam, but was quickly making the move up to Feyenoord and capped his success in 2007 by leaving for Spain.
Real Madrid took him on for €14m, and after three productive years was sent out on loan to Hercules, and later to Everton in 2011.
He eventually found himself close to retiring but managed to secure a contract at Vladikavkaz, even if he could not prevent their relegation from the Russian Premier League.
Elsewhere, the Royals also announced that defender Alex Pearce had fended off interest from other clubs after being out of contract to sign a deal until 2015.
The 24-year-old had progressed through the academy ranks at Reading, and ended up making 145 appearances in all competitions, with 12 goals as well.
He was due to be a free agent, but has since penned a new contract, and told the club’s site: "To be playing for this club is a great feeling and it feels great putting pen to paper.
"It has taken a little while but I always said that I wanted to stay at Reading and I’m so thankful that I can be a Reading player.
"I can’t wait to get my teeth stuck into this promotion campaign, we’ve done it once before and we’ll be looking to do it once again."
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