Winger becomes latest Royals arrival

Reading Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of winger Paolo Hurtado from Portuguese outfit Paços de Ferreira.The Peruvian international joins the Royals on a three-year deal, subject to normal ratification by the football authorities and the player receiving international clearance.Manager Steve Clarke said: “Paolo Hurtado is a player that we have been following since January. He is a creative player who can play off either side of the pitch. As well as creating chances for others, Paolo also has an eye for a goal. His style of play should complement the players already here and we look forward to Paolo joining our squad.”Chief Executive Nigel Howe added: “With this summer’s transfer policy, the shareholders and the board have recognised that Steve needed to be allowed space to rebuild his squad. Last season’s points tally was not on a par with where we need to be, and with Paolo’s arrival we have added another piece to the jigsaw. The rebuilding process is always step by step, but we believe the squad is in a stronger position now and I’d like to wish Paolo the best of luck here at Reading.”Hurtado, who celebrated his 25th birthday a fortnight ago, is a regular in the Peru national team set-up and was part of the squad which secured a third-place spot at this year’s Copa America in Chile.Originally from the seaport town of Callao, Hurtado broke through the ranks as a youngster with Alianza Lima and after impressing in the capital, where he was a regular first-team player between 2008 and 2012, he earned his first move to Europe to joined Paços de Ferreira.The attacker has spent the last three years on the books at the Portuguese outfit, and helped the club to a 3rd-place finish in the Primeira Liga in 2013/14 campaign and securing Champions League football for the first time in their history. Hurtado also spent a loan spell back in South America during the 2013/14 campaign when he linked up with Uruguayan giants Peñarol.