PELLE SIGNS FOR ROYALS

READING have made their first signing of the summer, recruiting Dutch midfielder Pelle Clement.

The 21-year-old arrived from Ajax, having spent most of his time playing for their youth side, which was coached by Jaap Stam prior to his switch to Berkshire last year.

Clement joins for an undisclosed fee and has penned a three-year contract.

The versatile Dutchman has had a few tastes of first team action with the European giants, scoring twice on his debut in a 6-1 win over Kozakken Boys in the KNVB Cup.

He went on to make his league bow a month later and also featured in the Europa League.

“Pelle will need to learn and adapt to the game over here of course, but he is a young, very promising player with a good personality,” said Stam.

“He is quick, technically good and has good stamina.

“He is capable of playing in midfield, up front or in the wide or wing back positions, so I’m pleased to have him with us here in Reading.”

Clement becomes the fourth Dutch player in the first team squad, joining last summer’s signings Roy Beerens, Danzell Gravenberch and Joey van den Berg.

But Royals have sanctioned a string of departures this week with no less than four men moving on.

DENISS RAKELS’ year-long loan move to Lech Poznan was confirmed while goalkeeper JONATHAN BOND has moved on loan to Peterborough United until January.

Meanwhile, two academy products have moved on permanently.

Defender ZAK JULES, who spent last season on loan at Motherwell, has joined Shrewsbury Town.

And JACK STACEY, who made six first team Reading appearances, has moved to League Two side Luton Town.