Reading have secured the services of the Sporting Lisbon defender Daniel Carrico, the Portuguese club said.

The 24-year-old Sporting captain will be out of contract in June and, according to the Primeira Liga team, will join Reading in January in a €750,000 (£600,000) deal which includes a sell-on clause for a future transfer.

"It is with mixed emotions that I write this farewell message," Carrico said on Sporting's website. "I'm leaving the club of my heart, where I had the privilege of graduating [through the youth ranks] and serving for several years. I'm leaving because I understand that I am at a stage in my career when I have to take chances," Carrico said. "Moreover, the proposed project is extremely exciting to me and I know I can succeed."

Reading confirmed on Monday that they had struck a deal for the former Portugal Under-21 international to join them on a two-and-a-half-year contract, with the option of an extra year after that.

"Reading football club are delighted to confirm we have agreed a deal to sign Sporting Lisbon's club captain, midfielder Daniel Carrico," the club said on their website. "The 24-year-old joins the Royals to begin the club's investment in this January window. He is a versatile player and can play in the centre of defence as well as in midfield. He has signed a contract until the summer of 2015, with the option of a further year."

Reading said Carrico, who has made only two appearances for Sporting this season because of his contractual situation, will join his new team-mates later this week.