READING DOUBLE DAN WITH NEW ADDITIONS
READING have bolstered their squad with two experienced additions as Scott Dann and Danny Drinkwater join the Royals.
Experienced defender Dann, 34, joins on a free transfer after being released by Crystal Palace at the end of last season while midfielder Drinkwater, 31, joins on a seasonlong loan from Chelsea.
Dann has a wealth of experience playing at Premier League level having made 50 appearances for Birmingham City, 98 games for Blackburn Rovers and 164 league games for Palace. He was involved as recently as last season where he played 15 Premier League games for Palace and scored once.
“Scott will play a crucial part in helping us keep clean sheets and win football matches,” said
Reading manager Veljko Paunović.
“A natural leader, Scott will be another important cog in the first team machine we are trying to construct.
Chief executive, Dayong Pang added: “I’m very pleased to have Scott sign with us. He’s a centreback who has so much experience of top-flight football and that vast experience will deliver so much to our first-team squad at Reading. I look forward to seeing him pull on our hoops.”
Meanwhile, former Premier League and Championship title winner Drinkwater joins for the season.
He played a vital role in Leicester City’s miraculous Premier League title win in 2015/16, making 35 appearances that season as the Foxes made history to overcome all the odds in a remarkable campaign in the English top flight.
He then earned a big money move to Chelsea in 2017 but has struggled to find a way into the team, making just 12 league appearances for the West London club.
Paunović said: “Danny’s talent and ability is unquestionable and to bring a player of his calibre to our club is extremely exciting.
“A proven winner, he is a player whose achievements on the pitch can inspire those around him and help to drive this club forward from the centre of midfield.
“We are very pleased to welcome him to Reading.”
Dayong Pang added: “The opportunity to bring a player with Danny’s undoubted ability to our club was not one we could miss.
“I am confident he is a strong character who can help this squad gel and work together to improve performances and earn results.”