SAM BALDOCK has today (Monday) completed his highly-anticipated move to Reading FC, penning a three-year deal at Madejski Stadium.

The 29-year-old forward, who joins from Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion, was one of Paul Clement's top transfer targets this summer.

Baldock passed a medical earlier this morning and will be available for Royals' Championship opener against Derby County on Friday evening.

The striker fell out of favour at Amex Stadium and was told he could find a new club this summer.

Sunderland AFC were also rumoured to be tracking the former Bristol City forward but he opted to move to the Championship with Reading.

Speaking to the club's website, manager Clement said: “I’m very happy that Sam has joined us here at Reading, having pursued his signature throughout the summer.

"I always felt he was the right striker for us to bring to this club in terms of his age, his experience and his quality.

"Now, I look forward to working with Sam on the training field in preparation for Friday night’s home game against Derby County.”

Brighton fans have suggested Baldock could play a major part in Royals' season as Clement looks to turn Reading's fortunes around after a lacklustre campaign last year saw them finish 20th in the table.

Sam Baldock was one of the first names on the team sheet in the season we were promoted to the Premier League. Sad to see him go but he deserves to be playing regularly. Bad luck and the form of others have prevented that happening at #bhafc. #readingfc would be a great fit. — Greg (@GregBHAFC) July 29, 2018

I know things change- clubs move on & all that but I feel quite sad that Sam Baldock is going always felt personally he could offer us something different last season & I really wish him all the best at Reading I hope at some point he gets his deserved chance in the Prem — North Stand Seagull (@north_seagull) July 30, 2018

Meanwhile, George Evans is expected to leave Reading FC within the next 48 hours after Royals accepted a bid from Friday's opponents.

Buckingham-born Baldock's signature is also likely to see Sam Smith leave Royals on loan to gain more first-team experience.