Midfielder to join

Reading Football Club are delighted to confirm we have agreed a deal to sign Sporting Lisbon’s club captain, midfielder Daniel Carrico.



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 agreed a contract until the summer of 2015, with the option of a further year.



He has been tracked by some of the biggest clubs in the Europe in the past – having been linked with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea among others – and he now joins the Royals in the Barclays Premier League.

Daniel has played for Portugal right up to under 21 level, and was also voted one of the best players at the UEFA u19 European Championship. He also has experience in European football, having played against Barcelona in the Champions League, as well as facing Man City in last season’s Europa League.

Having been captain of Sporting, a huge club both in Portugal and across Europe, he has a wealth of experience and the mentality for the very top level. In addition at only 24 he still has plenty of development ahead of him.



He has only made two appearances for Sporting this season because of his contractual situation, and will join up with his new teammates for his first training session later this week.



Stay tuned to the official site for more on Daniel over the coming days.