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Reading boss Jose Gomes is closing in on his first signing of the summer.

getreading understands young Everton goalkeeper Joao Virginia is nearing a loan move to the club.

The 19-year-old, who came through the Benfica academy, joined the Toffees last summer having spent two years in Arsenal's youth ranks.

He played 13 times for Everton's U23s side in 2018/19, keeping nine clean sheets but is yet to play for the first team.

Virginia, who stands at 6ft 3in, is a Portugal Youth international having been capped at U16, U17, U18, U19 and U21 level.

There is an outside chance the shotstopper could feature for Royals against Southend United in their behind-closed-doors friendly at Hogwood on Saturday afternoon.

Sam Walker, the only senior keeper currently with the club, is likely to start but young Aussie Liam Driscoll will not feature as he is in talks with National League side Yeovil Town about a loan move.

The addition of Virginia would strengthen an area which has been severely depleted this summer following the departures of Anssi Jaakkola, George Legg and Lewis Ward.

Luke Southwood is also expected to leave having been told he is not part of the manager's plans going forward.

Walker, Driscoll and academy keeper Jokull Andresson have been training with the squad this past week at Hogwood.

Gomes and his squad fly out to southern Spain on Sunday afternoon for a two-week training camp.

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